Advani reiterates on launching yatra

Nagpur, Mar 11 (UNI) Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha L K Advani today said he will launch his proposed rath yatra for strengthening National Integration despite opposition from the RSS and the VHP.

Talking to reporters here, Mr Advani said party president Rajnath Singh will also undertake another rath yatra for the same cause to unite people against forces seeking to exploit religious sentiments through appeasement of the minorities.

''We are taking out yatras at such a juncture when there are no elections in the country. This is my fifth yatra since 1991,'' Mr Advani said.

Recalling his 1997 rath yatra, Mr Advani said it was a medium to approach people and interact with them, adding it was the his most ''positive'' yatra.

Mr Advani, who arrived last night here and met RSS chief K C Sudarshan, general secretary Mohan Bhagwat and other senior RSS functionaries, said he held discussions with them about the yatra and sought their participation in it.

The BJP leader attended a few functions including felicitation on 75th birthday of Mr Sudarshan. He also participated in the inauguration function organised to pay homage to former Sangh chief Golwalkar during his centenary year.

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