New Delhi: The VHP (Vishwa Hindu Parishad) on September 18 welcomed the UP government's decision not to issue a fresh notification for revival of charges against senior BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party) and Sangh Parivar leaders in the Babri Masjid demolition case describing it as a "legally considered step".

"We welcome the Mayawati government's decision not to issue fresh notification. It has been done after taking into consideration all legal aspects," VHP central secretary and spokesman Veereshwar Dwivedi told reporters.

Eight VHP leaders were named in the FIR registered on December 6, 1992 after the demolition of the disputed structure at Ayodhya. They included Vishnu Hari Dalmia, Ashok Singhal, Acharya Giriraj Kishore, Sadhvi Rithambara, Paramhamsa Ramchandra Dass and Champat Rai.

Two others Uma Bharati and Vinay Katiyar have joined BJP. While Bharati is now a Union Minister, Katiyar, Lok Sabha member from Faizabad has become UP BJP president.

Asked whether Mayawati had repaid a debt to the BJP through her decision on September 17, he said, "You ask BJP".

In a significant political decision giving a major relief to Union Ministers L K Advani, Murli Manohar Joshi and Uma Bharti and other accused in the Babri Masjid demolition case, the BSP-BJP government in Uttar Pradesh had on September 17 decided not to issue a fresh notification for revival of charges against them.

The decision came a week before the Supreme Court deadline on the issue expires.

PTI