Tuesday, June 7 2005 19:51 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Ranchi: In the first criticism from within the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), senior party leader Yashwant Sinha today (Jun 7, 2005) said L K Advani's controversial comments on Pakistan founder Mohammed Ali Jinnah were "unnecessary and avoidable."

"Unfortunately, Advaniji's remarks diverted attention from the comments made by Musharraf and his Foreign Minister on Jammu and Kashmir. I, therefore, consider his remarks in Pakistan unnecessary and avoidable," Sinha said.

Referring to Musharraf's comments that the visit of Hurriyat leaders to Pakistan had given Kashmir disputed status, Sinha said, "Pakistan's statements on Kashmir are totally unacceptable to us."

Regretting the controversy kicked up 58 years after partition, the former Union Minister said, "There was no need for a controversy on this ground as Jinnah will forever remain in our history as the person responsible for partition. No certificate can erase the impression that India and Pakistan are two nations as a result of partition."

Asked whether Advani's resignation would create a vacuum in the BJP, Sinha said, on the contrary, the party would emerge stronger.

Asked whether Advani should remain the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Sinha, a former External Affairs Minister said, "Advani has resigned as BJP president. He should also consider whether he can be an effective Leader of the Opposition."