Tuesday, June 7 2005 16:57 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Patna: Asserting that Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president L K Advani's resignation over a "serious issue" was not the internal matter of that party but affected National Democratic Alliance (NDA) allies too, senior Janata Dal United (JDU) leader Nitish Kumar today (Jun 7, 2005) said that he has asked party chief George Fernandes to call a party meeting for a "deep and serious" discussion on the matter.

Asked whether the development would have a bearing on the health of NDA, Kumar said the NDA alliance is based on certain common agenda of the constituent parties. But, this matter (Advani remarks on Pakistan's founder Mohammad Ali Jinnah that he was secular and the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) reaction on the issue) needs a national debate in which JDU should also express its views.

Asked when was the JDU meeting expected, Kumar said, "It will be decided by Fernandes, but I hope it will be called soon."

Asserting that he agreed with what Advani had said in Pakistan, the senior JDU leader emphasised the need for a meaningful debate on the partition of the country and the role of leaders and parties in the event.

"The new generation wants to know correct history. All the parties, Congress, Left, BJP, JDU and others, should participate in the debate and express their opinion," he added

"It would be better if Advani takes back his resignation but if this does not happen, all the NDA allies should also have their views," he said.