Document Fragment View

Matching Fragments

This gentleman was a BJP Member of Parliament and he continues to be in the ruling party even now. This whole country was looking at the Prime Minister and the Home Minister whether any of them would condemn the attack and the new found definition of patriotism. But none came forward to condemn this and offer protection to the minority and to the Christian community. Sir, this is nothing but the betrayal of whatever little trust this great country reposed on you.

>THE MINISTER OF HOME AFFAIRS (SHRI L.K. ADVANI): Sir, I am intervening. I have to reply at the end, but when an atrocious statement of this kind is made I thought that I must contradict it. I must say that in the presence of Arch Bishop of Delhi who came and pointed out to me that statement which has been issued, on that very day, in his presence, I phoned the leader of that organization and had him repremanded and further had the organization, the Vishwa Hindu Parishad to condemn that statement and condemn the act of rape also.

This is a heinous offence. Those who have committed it, are being brought to book by the State Government, and I must compliment the State Government for taking necessary action. But it should not be communalised by any one of us... (Interruptions)

DR. ASIM BALA (NABADWIP): On how many attempts, the arrest was made?.. (Interruptions)

SHRI L.K. ADVANI): So far as the other matters are concerned, I will reply to them. But this is a different category altogether. Yesterday, every one spoke about all these things. But on one referred to Jhabua incident. I felt that they have taken cognisance of the fact that this particular incident should not be referred to in this context. And today, when I learned from you that your delegation has actually visited there, and after that, you are repeating it, I thought it would be proper for me to contradict.

SHRI SURESH KURUP : I said that this incident should be viewed on the background of the all out attack against Christians community in our country.

SHRI L.K. ADVANI: Well, 12 culprits, hoodlums who were the Christian who did this, had they actually done because of Hindutva?... (Interruptions)

SHRI SURESH KURUP : Why are you underlying the fact that they are Christians? ... (Interruptions)

SHRI L.K. ADVANI: Mr. Chairman, Sir, I am only saying that so far as the BJP is concerned, it would be willing to explain everything. But let us not refer to matters which are not communal, which are of a different nature and about which all of us should be unanimous.

THE MINISTER OF HOME AFFAIRS (SHRI L.K. ADVANI): I had condemned it the very day.

SHRI SURESH KURUP (KOTTAYAM): You have not made any public statement till now.

THE MINISTER OF HOME AFFAIRS (SHRI L.K. ADVANI): I wish you could ask this from the Archbishop himself. I have nothing more to say.

SHRI SURESH KURUP (KOTTAYAM): Look at the instances of attacks that have taken place all over the country. There have been several instances in 1998 also. Some of my learned colleagues have mentioned about them yesterday also.