BJP will be finished by next general elections: Togadia

, international general secretary of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad, has taken the lead in criticising BJP President LK Advani for praising Jinnah during his visit to Pakistan. A firebrand, who does not mince words in espousing the VHP philosophy, Togadia says that Advani in fact should have resigned much earlier.

Speaking to Business Standard on Wednesday, Togadia told Meghdoot Sharon that one fall-out of the Advani episode will be that the Bharatiya Janata Party will be finished before the next general elections.

How could a swayamsevak like L K Advani make statements contrary to Sangh beliefs?

Only Advani will be able to tell you the exact reason for his sudden change of stance. That he has changed, and changed considerably, is true. It is also true that he has done so deliberately and after much thought and has no plans to change his position.

Did this come as a surprise to the VHP?

No. We had anticipated this.

Who do you think should replace Advani?

Anybody who is truly nationalistic, will stand for the cause of Hindutva and who will provide economic stability to India should take over as the next BJP president. I will not name any favourite.

Will the Bharatiya Janata Party suffer politically as a result of the remarks made by L K Advani in Pakistan?

Yes, the BJP will suffer tremendously. The party will be finished before the next general election. The party had been voted to power earlier on certain issues and its strength in the Lok Sabha also increased dramatically because it stood for certain issues and principles.

These have been dented to a very large extent because of Advani's statements in Pakistan. But Advani himself will definitely gain personally as a result of the remarks that he made in Pakistan.

Are you suggesting that he will look for a political future outside the BJP?

It appears as if L K Advani will seek the support of pseudo-secularists, especially as he has taken a stand that he will not retract statements that he made regarding Jinnah and the Babri Masjid in Pakistan. I cannot say whether he will join any other political party.

VHP volunteers clashed with BJP supporters in Gujarat.

I have nothing to say on this. What I will say is that people feel betrayed with Advani changing his stance so suddenly.

The BJP MLAs in Gujarat too seem clearly divided with some openly supporting the VHP, while others condemning VHP statements on Advani.

I have nothing to say on this.