Advani not averse to Uma's return

Senior BJP leader LK Advani on Wednesday said that those who worked for Hindutva and pursued its ideology must work together for consolidation of Hindu votes.

In reply to a query related to Bharatiya Janshakti chief Uma Bharti at a news conference here today, Advani did not make any comment on her return to the BJP fold.

“It is up to the party chief and the party to decide. But I would like to say that all those people who had been with us should come in support of Hindutva.”

He was asked about the VHP’s reported statements that there should be no split in Hindu votes because of the row between Bharti and the BJP and that Hindutva forces should unite.

Advani’s remarks followed the BJP’s reconciliation, brokered by the VHP, with its MP Yogi Adityanath, whose revolt over ticket distribution had threatened division in saffron votes in the Gorakhpur region.

Bharti, who had been expelled from the BJP for her outbursts against the party leadership, launched the Bharatiya Janshakti that she says espouses the core Sangh ideology.

BJP insiders admit she has been able to make inroads into their party vote-block in Uttrakhand and could cause potential damage in UP’s Bundelkhand region. Advani also referred to the Ayodhya issue, calling the construction of a Ram temple on the disputed site a “national desire”.

He insisted talks between leaders of the two communities was the best way to “honour the nation’s desire”.

The former Deputy Prime Minister said the issue could also be resolved through judicial and legislative measures. The BJP leader also defended a party election CD that allegedly carries reference to Babri and the Godhra train arson of 2002. “I have not seen the CD. But I do not think that anything that contains a mention of Babri or Godhra can be deemed provocative,” Advani remarked .