2006 Varanasi blast stagemanaged by vested interests

Varanasi, Feb 25 (UNI) Eleven days ahead of the first anniversary of March seven twin Varanasi blasts, film actor-turned MP Raj Babbar today alleged the heinous act was ''stage-managed'' by vested interest aiming to divide Hindus and Muslims.

''Varanasi blasts were the handiwork of those...who want to divide the society to serve their narrow ends, but the Hindus and Muslims of the pluralistic city foiled their plans by staying united in the most volatile period. The elements who were behind the twin blast are still trying hard to divide Uttar Pradesh to serve their personal interests,'' the Jan Morcha leader said here while addressing an election rally here.

At least 18 people were killed and over 100 others wounded in twin blasts that rocked the Sankatmochan temple and Varanasi Cantt railway station within a span of 15 minutes on March 7 last year.

Going all out against the ruling Samajwadi Party, Mr Babbar said, ''they have no right to remain in power after the recent Supreme Court judgement in the rebel BSP MLA case.

''Chief Minister Mulayam Singh Yadav has no right to stay in power and if he is a true socialist, he should resign on moral grounds.'' ''Technically the term of the present UP assembly expired today itself and hence Mr Yadav has no right to go for a trust vote on the floor of the house tomorrow. The Jan Morcha activists will not let any SP MLA enter the house tomorrow,'' Mr Babbar said announcing to lead tomorrow's Vidhan Sabha 'gherao' himself.

Launching a further attack on the UP CM, Mr Babbar said, ''he is working into the hands of middlemen turned politicians who hold sway in SP. Even the public speeches he delivers are finalised by those very middlemen.'' UNI ARS ATI AKJ RK2055