Posted 1/20/2024, 9:35:22 AM
Rao Frozen in Fright as Babri Fell; Sought Aiyar's Advice But Failed to Deliver Secular Speech
- Rao was "frozen in fright" as Babri Masjid was being demolished and sought Mani Shankar Aiyar's advice in early morning call
- Aiyar suggested Rao hold counter-demonstration with opposition leaders to give secular message but he did not deliver planned speech
- Aiyar defends Rajiv Gandhi's role in opening locks at Ram Lalla temple, saying he could not have predicted Babri demolition
- On Bofors, Aiyar blames Arun Nehru more than Rajiv Gandhi, argues journalists deliberately avoided probing 'N'
- Aiyar praises Rajiv Gandhi as good-hearted but naive, has no kind words for Sanjay Gandhi, thanked God when he died