VHP seeks Advani apology

Vishva Hindu Parishad chief Ashok Singhal today demanded a public apology from Bharatiya Janata Party President LK Advani for describing December 6 1992, the day Babri Masjid was demolished in Ayodhya, as the saddest day of his life.

"He has betrayed the Hindus of our country. Expressing regret now, particularly from Pakistani soil, is an insult to 90 crore Hindus," Singhal told reporters here.

He alleged that Pakistan was responsible for jihad in various parts of India and for the Kargil war. Advani's statement, that too from Pakistani soil "is most shameful", he said.

On friendship with Pakistan, Singhal retorted, "Friendship for what? To enhance the jihadi movement?"

Singhal also claimed that Kanchi seers were being arrested because over 450 trusts floated by them throughout the country were coming in the way of forces of religious conversion. An important Congress leader was spearheading conversions, he alleged.

When it was pointed out that it was the Jayalalithaa government which had arrested the seers, he said, "The real culprit is different. You should sit with Janata Party President Subramaniam Swamy for two hours. He has the evidence."

Asked whether the VHP was planning to start a political party, he replied in the negative. Singhal also alleged that out of Rs 8,000 crore allocated for education, only Rs 35 lakh had been given to 1,700 one-teacher schools being run by the VHP in various parts of the country. He also opposed the government takeover of temples.