Advani stands by his comments on Jinnah

Returning from a week-long visit to Pakistan, Bharatiya Janata Party president Lal Kishenchand Advani on Monday stood by his comments on Mohammed Ali Jinnah that had raised the hackles of the Sangh Parivar.

Even as senior leaders lined up to receive the party president at the airport, Hindu Jagran Manch put up a poster which read -- 'Jinnah Samarthak, Pakistan Premi Advani, Vapas Jao (Jinnah supporter Advani go back).'

"I have come to know that my remarks have triggered a debate. I have no objection to it, the matter should be debated," Advani told reporters at the airport.

In a statement in Pakistan, Advani had described the Pakistan founder as a 'great man' who espoused the cause of a secular Pakistan.

In a separate statement, Advani had had also regretted the demolition of the Babri masjid.

Summing up his visit to Islamabad, Lahore and Karachi, he said apart from its sentimental value [Advani was born in Pakistan], the objective of his visit was to promote the peace initiatives of the previous National Democratic Alliance government.

Advani said Jinnah in his speech to the Constituent Assembly on August 11, 1947 had favoured a secular and non-theocratic

state.

Describing the first leg of his visit to Islamabad as 'essentially political', Advani said he met Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf, Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz and Foreign Minister Khurshid M Kasuri.

He said everyone was of the view that the peace process initiated by the NDA government should be carried forward.

Advani said at the end of his tour he is 'happy' he could interact with all communities and with all political parties in the spectrum.

Describing his trip as a "memorable and unforgettable week", Advani said that during his journey to Karachi he visited an ancient temple which has references in the Mahabharata.

He said he spoke to External Affairs Minister K Natwar Singh and urged him to take initiative in restoration of the temple with the Archaeological Survey of India.

Advani said the president of the Muslim League requested him to ensure the renovation of ancient temples in Pakistan and later inaugurate the works. "I believe it is a rare event in the history of Pakistan," he said.

On the nostalgia part of the visit, Advani said he visited his alma mater in Karachi and the house he lived in as a child.