Rahul's comment not aimed at criticising anyone: Cong

New Delhi, Mar 20 (UNI) Describing Amethi MP Rahul Gandhi's observations on Babri mosque demolition as a reiteration of the commitment of Nehru-Gandhi family to the secular values, the Congress today clarified that it was not a ''negative criticism'' of anybody.

''It is not a negative criticism of anybody but a positive reaffirmation of the commitment to secular values,'' Congress Spokesman Abhishek Manu Singhvi emphasised.

Referring to BJP leader Sushma Swaraj's criticism that Mr Gandhi's statement on Babri mosque betrayed a ''feudal mindset'' in the young MP, Mr Singhvi said those who do not know anything of freedom movement can hardly speak of a feudal mind.

''Everybody knows that the party (BJP) held right wing views before and after Independence,'' he said.

Asked whether the Congress was planning to rebuild the disputed structure, Mr Singhvi said there was no question of ''wanting'' to rebuild the structure. ''We have to abide by the court verdict. There is no change in the party's stand over the issue,'' Mr Singhvi said.

Replying to a question, Mr Singhvi pointed out that the lock of the disputed structure in Ayodhya was opened on the orders of the court. The laying of the foundation stone of the temple was also done on court orders keeping in view the sensibilities of the people, he added.

''It was not a divisive decision,'' he observed.

He also pointed out that when the structure was demolished in 1992 there was a BJP government headed by Kalyan Singh ruling in the state.

UNI