Tuesday, July 12 2005 20:21 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: Observing that the developments within BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party) had caused "deep concern" and "unease" among its allies, NDA (National Democratic Alliance) Convenor George Fernandes today (July 12, 2005) hit out at the RSS (Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh), accusing it of "abrogating to itself a political role".

The JDU (Janata Dal United) leader strongly defended BJP President L K Advani over his comments on Pakistan founder Mohd Ali Jinnah, saying there was "nothing wrong or objectionable" in these and said BJP should "sort things out at the earliest".

"...In ordinary circumstances, I would not have commented on the RSS. However, in the extraordinary situation that seems to have developed in the main Opposition party and driven primarily by my concerns for the NDA, I urge the RSS to confine itself to its socio-cultural activities," Fernandes said in a statement issued in New Delhi.

"I strongly object to the RSS abrogating to itself a political role. This clear separation roles is necessary to promote healthy democratic traditions in India," he said as top BJP leaders met here to deliberate on concerns raised by RSS over Advani's Jinnah comments.