New Delhi: BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party) today (Sep 24, 2004) came out in strong defence of VHP (Vishwa Hindu Parishad) and its firebrand leader Praveen Togadia, describing them as "nationalists".

"They (VHP and Togadia) are nationalists," BJP spokesman Arun Jaitley told reporters in New Delhi when asked by a reporter whether they were "terrorists or nationalists".

Referring to Togadia, he said, "You can disagree with him but cannot question his nationalism." He emphasised that neither VHP nor Togadia indulged in separatism.

Jaitley was responding to questions whether BJP was apprehending imposition of ban on the Sangh Parivar outfits through the new Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Amendment Ordinance.

"We are not bothered about a ban as no nationalist organisation indulges in separatism," the BJP leader said.