In a blow to BJP's efforts to project LK Advani as the NDA coalition's Prime Ministerial candidate, JD (U) leaders have openly come out against the idea.
The Janata Dal (U) leader and party spokesperson Shivanand Tiwari on Wednesday said that the party will not support BJP in projecting LK Advani's name as the PM during the campaigns.
He said that the Nitish Kumar-led JD (U)-BJP coalition government has undertaken pro-Muslim welfare works in Bihar and it expects Muslims to vote for the party. The JD(U)'s rival party Lalu Prasad Yadav-led Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) is the main contender for the Muslim vote.
Besides, JD (U) Member of Parliament (MP) Ejaz Ali has said that the mention of Advani brings painful memories to Muslims. He said that Advani's statements on terrorism have been dubious.
Recalling that he came in support of Malegaon blast accused Sadhvi Pragya Singh Thakur, Lieutenant-Colonel Purhoit and Sudhakar Dwivedi alias Dayanand Pandey, the JD (U) leader said that Advani earlier criticised ATS chief Hemant Karkare and later called him martyr.
Ali went on to say that Advani never felt for Muslims jailed on false charges but his heart went out for Malegaon bomb blast accused. He also recalled the role of Advani in Babri Masjid demolition and the violence during Rath Yatra.
TIH Bureau
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