Sunday, May 15 2005 09:47 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Vadodara: VHP (Vishwa Hindu Parishad) International president Ashok Singhal yesterday (May 14, 2005) said that former Gujarat Governor Sundar Singh Bhandari's statements on Godhra riots and Chief Minister Narendra Modi have been "distorted" and "misquoted".

"Bhandari's criticism of Modi and the BJP leadership's failure to control the post-Godhra riots were distorted and misquoted", Singhal told reporters in Vadodara.

"The so-called secularists have been raising the killings of 750 Muslims during Godhra riots but where were they when 10 lakh Hindus were killed during partition," he asked.

One should not forget killings of 250 Hindus during Godhra riots which had lasted for five days, Singhal, in Vadodara to attend a VHP function, said.

Alleging that churches in Assam and other eastern parts of the country have been engaged in aiding terrorists, he asked the people to leave the country if they do not like Hindutva.

"Those opposing the concept of Hindutva should be declared criminals," Singhal added.

The VHP leader also predicted that the UPA (United Progressive Alliance) Government at the Centre will fall like pack of cards.