One issue where she and Cong differ: Babri

To ensure she makes it to Rashtrapati Bhavan, Congress leaders have been quick to defend Pratibha Patil from a slew of charges relating to financial irregularities. But there8217;s one little detail that does leave them a little red in the face 8212; Patil8217;s take on the controversial Ayodhya issue has been different from that of the party.

Patil was all for a 8220;national monument8221; at the disputed site though the then Congress government promised to 8220;rebuild8221; the Babri Masjid. Subsequent Congress poll manifestoes promised to go by the court ruling or let the parties concerned negotiate.

But Parliament records shows that Patil, participating in a Lok Sabha debate on a no-confidence motion against the Narasimha Rao government on December 18, 1992, said: 8220;The structure was an excellent example of amity in the country as both a temple and a mosque were situated on the same site. It was an excellent example which India should have preserved as a national monument.8221;

While Congress spokespersons don8217;t want to comment on Patil8217;s stance, party sources admitted that Patil8217;s views went against the Congress line.