Kerala

Parameswaran defends Advani

Special Correspondent

KOZHIKODE: The resignation of L.K. Advani as BJP president in response to criticism from the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) leadership over his recent statements in Pakistan has brought into focus the position of P. Parameswaran, party's ideologue in Kerala, on these issues.

In a front page report in the BJP organ in Kerala, Janmabhumi, Mr. Parameswaran is quoted as saying that time might prove the relevance of what Mr. Advani had said and that he did not share the views of Mr. Advani's critics on these issues.

He disagreed with the views of the RSS top brass that Mr. Advani's statement, in which he described Pakistan founder-leader Mohammed Ali Jinnah as a secular leader, was unpatriotic. Mr. Parameswaran, who is director of the Bharatiya Vichara Kendram, was reported to have said that some of the points Mr. Advani had made were noteworthy and these might in the long run turn out to be beneficial to all concerned.

But Mr. Parameswaran admitted that Mr. Advani had taken a position that nobody had expected him to take in the national and international scenario.

Mr. Parameswaran said: It might have come as a big shock to his followers. But history might write a verdict that will be sharply at variance with that of Mr. Advani's critics. It might turn out that Mr. Advani was a farsighted statesman who dared to speak out a bitter truth. It might also help achieve the goals that all wanted.

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