London: Breaking his silence over invoking of Ram Temple issue by new BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party) president L K Advani, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has described as "worrisome" the Saffron party's intention to return to Hindutva.

Recognising that "political compulsions sometimes overwhelm," he hoped the leadership of the main Opposition party would recognise "what are the imperatives of the situation."

"Well, that is worrisome," Singh said in an interview to 'Financial Times' of London when asked whether he was worried that the BJP is "returning to hardline Hindu nationalism."

He said it had been hoped that six years in office would "convince the BJP leadership that India's best interests are safeguarded through the strengthening of Indian institutions and by moving to an inclusive economy and beyond the feudal society."

"Recent signs at BJP meetings are not very welcome developments," the Prime Minister said apparently referring to BJP's October 27 National Council where the party's new chief expressed support for construction of Ram Temple at Ayodhya and laid emphasis on Hindutva.