‘Very auspicious’, IAS officer remembers celebrating demolition of Babri masjid
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Manisha Patankar Mhaiskar, Maharashtra's Additional Chief Secretary for the Public Works Department, remembered on Facebook the jubilance among her selected batch members at Mussoorie when the Babri Masjid was demolished, on the day before the consecration of the Ram Idol in Ayodhya.
The post, shared on the eve of the consecration ceremony of the Ayodhya Ram temple, recounts Mhaiskar's experience as an Indian Administrative Service (IAS) trainee in 1992.
In her post, Mhaiskar nostalgically recalls the events surrounding the demolition of the Babri Masjid, a historic and contentious moment in Indian history. She describes a gathering in Mussoorie where she and her fellow probationers of the 1992 batch celebrated the demolition.
The post, which began with the slogan 'Jai Shri Ram,' detailed how the news of the Babri Masjid demolition reached them during their foundation course. Mhaiskar reminisced about a discreet gathering where chants of 'Jai Shri Ram' echoed, and sweets were distributed to mark the occasion. She expressed a sentiment of positivity and auspiciousness surrounding the events of December 6, 1992.
However, the post quickly drew criticism for its communal undertones and celebration of a divisive event in Indian history. Former Army and IAS officer MG Devasahayam condemned Mhaiskar's actions, stating that celebrating the demolition of the Babri Masjid goes against the principles of secularism enshrined in the Indian Constitution, reported The News Minute.
Devasahayam emphasized the importance of neutrality and non-communalism in the civil services, highlighting that Mhaiskar's actions have tarnished the reputation of the IAS and disrespected the values of the Constitution.
Critics argue that Mhaiskar's actions undermine the principles of secularism and raise concerns about impartiality in her role as a public servant. The controversy has ignited debates on social media, with many calling for accountability and questioning Mhaiskar's suitability for her high-ranking position in Maharashtra's government.
