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Disputed structure was a symbol of slavery: Bharti

Union Sports Minister Uma Bharti Wednesday said the disputed structure at Ayodhya was a "symbol of slavery" and an "insult to the nation" as it was known by the name of an "aggressor".

"I am hurt by anything that goes by the name of an aggressor... I cannot relate such a structure with any religion... Aggressors should only be treated as such," she told the Liberhan Commission probing the Ayodhya demolition on Wednesday.

Citing the example of Rhodesia (now known as Zimbabwe) which changed the names of buildings, cities and roads named after their British rulers after gaining independence from British rule, she said Rhodesians did it despite the fact that their erstwhile rulers belonged to the same religion (Christianity).

Asserting that she believed in the construction of Ram temple at Ayodhya, Bharti said "my being a minister or not does not affect my belief."

She was, however, quick to add "I have faith in the law of this country and whatever be the court verdict, I shall happily accept that."

When asked what would she do if there was a clash between her belief and her oath as a minister, she said, "The question is entirely hypothetical and such an occasion would not arise."

Terming Ayodhya as a special case which could not be compared with any other, she said, "The shape that this issue has taken during the last 50 years, I feel no one can remain a silent spectator."

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