The Hindu : Karnataka News : Advani should not have quit, says Shettar

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Thursday, Jun 09, 2005

Karnataka

Karnataka

Advani should not have quit, says Shettar

Staff Correspondent

`Criticism of the former Deputy Prime Minister unwarranted'

BELLARY: Jagadish Shettar, President of the State unit of the BJP, has said that L.K. Advani, need not have resigned as President of the party in the wake of his remarks on Mohammed Ali Jinnah during his tour of Pakistan.

Responding to questions by presspersons here on Wednesday, Mr. Shettar said the State unit of the BJP will urge Mr. Advani to withdraw his resignation.

"Mr. Advani is among the senior leaders of the BJP and he should lead the party. This is my stand and also that of the State unit. I am hopeful that Mr. Advani will withdraw his resignation," he said.

Mr. Shettar feels that the criticism by the VHP, Bajrang Dal, Praveen Togadia of Mr. Advani was unwarranted, especially after the BJP leader made it clear that he is ready for discussion on the remarks he had made.

Mr. Shettar denied that differences still prevailed in the State unit.

"That is a closed chapter. Steps have been taken to set things right," he said.

About two of the party MLAs identifying themselves with the Samajwadi Party leader, S. Bangarappa, Mr. Shettar said he has issued show-cause notices to them and a petition has also been filed before the Speaker to disqualify them.

Mr. Shettar was here to participate in the padayatra organised by the district unit of the BJP to protest against the police firing at Kolur recently.

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