Chennai: The BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party) would never adopt a "policy of religious bigotry" and hence there was no question of its allies leaving it on that score, former Union Minister and senior BJP leader Yashwant Sinha said in Chennai today (Aug 6, 2004).

He told reporters at Chennai airport that TDP (Telugu Desam Party) supremo Chandrababu Naidu had only said that if BJP adopted a policy of religious bigotry, TDP would reconsider its relationship with the party.

"There is no question of religious bigotry with the BJP," he said. "BJP is the main Opposition. Our allies and the people are satisfied with our performance," he said.

He said that there was misunderstanding even among BJP's allies on Hindutva. "To a certain extent, even media is responsible for this misunderstanding, he said adding, "We have clarified our position."

"Hindutva is not a political issue, but a way of life. For us, nationalism and Hindutva are not two separate things but one," he said.

Even at the recent Goa meeting, the party had decided to focus on nationalism and development. "You cannot have development without nationalism."