BJP, VHP differ on secularism: Govt

In an obvious reference to the VHP outburst against his remarks that India would never become a Hindu state, L.K. Advani today told the Rajya Sabha: 8216;8216;Those who spoke against me are not with us in believing that secularism is the basis of the Indian nation.8217;8217;

Advani was replying to a debate on Gujarat initiated by the Congress. The Deputy Prime Minister reiterated his Government had faith in secularism as envisioned by the framers of the Constitution, but he expected others to 8216;8216;not get irritated at the mention of anything Hindu 8212; that generates its own reaction.8217;8217;

Giving his Government8217;s vision of 8216;Hindutva8217;, Advani said: 8216;8216;We believe in the definition of Hindutva as defined by the Supreme Court.8217;8217; He said the members should look beyond partisan politics and realise Pakistan8217;s activities in the country.