Rajnath says all riots unfortunate

While taking on the Congress for the 1984 and other riots which had taken place during its rule,Singh said: All riots,including one in Gujarat,are unfortunate. Before 2002,there had been 12,900 communal riots. How long will you nurse the old wounds?.

Asked if the BJP would apologise for the 2002 Gujarat riots,he said: All I am saying is all riots are unfortunate.

The BJP president wondered why the Central government has been taking too much interest in encounters that have taken place in Gujarat alone.

After all,encounters have taken in several states. Where are the reports? Why such a hue and cry over Gujarat encounters alone? he asked.

Singh also hinted at the BJP trying to get into pre-poll alliance with like-minded parties. He warned political parties,including the JDU,against falling into a big Congress trap in the name of joining secular forces.

Friends have to be nurtured,Sena tells BJP

MUMBAI: With the NDA being reduced to a three-party alliance after the JDUs exit,the Shiv Sena on Monday asked the BJP to explain its plans to bring in new allies,saying friends dont grow like trees,they have to be nurtured. Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray in an editorial in party mouthpiece Saamna said,After JDU exited NDA,BJP and Shiv Sena are left. The Akali Dals strength has never gone above four or five MPs,voicing concern over the dwindling strength of the alliance.