Saffron sees red in Advani’s Pakistan remarks

RSS spokesman Ram Madhav, speaking from Bangalore to a news agency, went on record: ‘‘People are not happy, they are angry. They will like to know in what context he made the statements.’’

Clearly supporting the outcry from VHP against Advani’s statement on Ayodhya, Madhav added, ‘‘Everyone should keep in mind what impact his statement would have on cadres.’’

For the Sangh Parivar, Jinnah remains a chief villain and to have the BJP chief sing his praises is considered blasphemy. Madhav admitted as much by pointing that Advani’s statement went against the ‘‘basic ideology’’ of the RSS. ‘‘We have been of the view that Jinnah was responsible for division and partition of the country, ’’ Madhav said.

Although Advani’s claim that the Babri demolition was the ‘‘saddest day’’ of his life is not new, VHP and RSS leaders are angry that he made it in Pakistan.

For the record, the BJP has been silent on Advani’s remarks but sections within the party too are unhappy with their boss for expressing anti-Hindutva sentiments in, of all places, Pakisan, well-placed party sources said.