New Delhi: The Opposition today (Mar 2, 2004) viewed with concern the Deputy Prime Minister L K Advani's proposed cross-country "Bharat Uday Yatra" (India Shining Yatra) apprehending communal flare up ahead of the Lok Sabha elections and terming it as a "blatant violation" of the Model Code Of Conduct.

RJD (Rashtriya Janata Dal) president Laloo Prasad Yadav said in Patna that the Yatra was yet another attempt to "incite" communal passions during the elections and showed that Advani was BJP's (Bharatiya Janata Party) "real" Prime Ministerial candidate.

Congress spokesman Abhishek Singhvi described Advani's announcement as a "cynical abuse" of Government property and a "blatant violation" of the Model Code of Conduct.

Yadav warned if any attempt was made to disturb communal harmony in Bihar, the State Government would not remain a mute spectator and take action as per law.

In hard-hitting comments, Lok Janshakti Party chief Ram Vilas Paswan dubbed the Yatra as "Bharat Vinash (destruction) Yatra" and said Advani should resign before embarking on such a campaign.

Paswan apprehended the Yatra would incite communal sentiments leading to violence.

Rubbishing the Opposition's criticism, BJP spokesman Prakash Javadekar said, "It reflected their nervousness and frustration". He also refuted the allegation of violation of the model code.