Never regarded those who disagreed with us politically as enemies...anti-national: LK Advani

Five years after he quit blogging, BJP veteran LK Advani wrote a piece on Thursday that differed from his party’s recent attacks on its political opponents, especially when party leaders have been dubbing their political opponents “anti-nationals” in the aftermath of the Balakot air strikes.

“The essence of Indian democracy is respect for diversity and freedom of expression. Right from its inception, the BJP has never regarded those who disagree with us politically as our enemies, but only as our adversaries. Similarly, in our conception of Indian nationalism, we have never regarded those who disagree with us politically as anti-national. The party has been committed to freedom of choice of every citizen at personal as well as political level,” Advani blogged.

He further said that defence of democracy and democratic traditions, “both within the party and in the larger national setting”, has been the hallmark of BJP. “BJP has always been at the forefront of demanding protection of independence, integrity, fairness and robustness of all our democratic institutions, including the media,” Advani said.


The blog is at variance with the BJP stand over the last few months where its leaders, including PM Modi and party chief Amit Shah, have raised doubts about the patriotism of political opponents, especially the Congress. Modi had said at a rally in Jamui on Wednesday that opposition parties questioning Balakot strikes appear more like spokespersons of Pakistan than political parties representing India. BJP has made scathing attacks on the Congress and other parties for asking questions about the number of those killed in the Balakot strikes and the reported intelligence failure that led to the Pulwama attack.

BJP denied a ticket to Advani, 91, from Gandhinagar, the seat he has represented in the Lok Sabha for many years. Amit Shah is contesting in his place this time. “I take this opportunity to convey my most sincere gratitude to the people of Gandhinagar, who have elected me to the Lok Sabha six times since 1991. Their love and support has always overwhelmed me,” he said.