Wednesday, June 8 2005 18:30 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Patna: Lok Janashakti Party (LJP) president Ram Vilas Paswan today (Jun 8, 2005) backed former deputy prime minister L K Advani's description of Mohammed Ali Jinnah as 'secular' and advised him to stand by his statement as 'historical facts can never be changed.'

''The LJP extends full support to Advani on his remarks on Jinnah as it is based on the historical facts,'' Paswan, who is also the Union minister, told reporters in Patna on his arrival from New Delhi.

''Advani must be firm on his stand and work for secularism ignoring the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) which have unnecessarily raised a hue and cry over his statement,'' Paswan said.

He said Advani's initiative for the cause of secularism would also give strengthen to the ongoing efforts by the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) Government towards normalising relation between India and Pakistan.

Asked to comment on the reaction of Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) president Laloo Prasad who termed Advani's resignation as 'stunning and a high political drama,'' Paswan said, ''I don't know if it is drama or it is a natural comment made by Advani.''

''If people like Advani remain firm on his view, Laloo will be nowhere,'' he remarked stressing the need for wiping out communal forces.

Paswan, however, said the LJP would maintain a wait and watch policy on the development. He also refused to comment as to whether Advani tendered his resignation at the behest of RSS or VHP.

''It is for Advani to explain what prompted him to resign and whether his statement was from the core of his heart.''