Union Minister Uma Bharti On Ayodhya 'I Remain Unapologetic And Unrepentant'

It is a hot May afternoon. In the sprawling garden of the Akbar Road residence in New Delhi, a barbet and a cuckoo are engaged in a competition. Their cries pierce into the air-conditioned confines of Union Minister for Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation Uma Bharti’s workroom. The room is spartan, like her. Yet, there are personal touches which break the monotony of the sarkari furniture like handwoven rugs and white, chikan-embroidered cushions. Three Ganesha figurines adorn her desk. A huge statue of Shiva, with the Ganga tumbling tempestuously out of his locks, adorns one corner while a beautiful figurine of Lord Krishna is placed in another.

- Rekha Dixit

Bharti’s long tresses are tamed in a severe plait, the daub of haldi and kumkum is fresh on her forehead. She is in a chatty mood as she settles down with a cup of coffee while I sip coconut water. Bharti is facing charges of criminal conspiracy in the Babri Masjid demolition that took place on December 6, 1992. The Supreme Court last month directed the trial court to proceed expeditiously in the case. The minister, however, is unperturbed. She says she stands by her convictions. Excerpts from a free-flowing interview:

Now the hearings in the Babri Masjid case are going to start.

How does that make any difference? When I participated, I knew the outcome could be anything. I began the agitation in 1989 itself, well aware of the repercussions. I knew as I headed the mob that I could be shot. I could die that moment itself. Now, whatever is the decision of the Supreme Court, I will accept it.

But yes, the lawyers will do their job. Do not confuse their job with my faith. When I say that I am willing to face any punishment, it does not mean [my] lawyers should not fight the case. They will argue that I should not be punished.

Wouldn’t your ministerial role be affected by the hearings?

So far, I don’t think so. The Hubli case was different. [she resigned as chief minister of Madhya Pradesh in 2004 after an arrest warrant was issued in connection with the Hubli riots of 1994.] Then, it was established that I had broken the curfew. My resignation case was different, too. I resigned because Nanaji Deshmukh and Ashok Singhal wanted me to get into national politics. They wanted to bring me to Delhi in 2004.