J P Mathur says he guided scholar on book on partition

New Delhi, May 7 (UNI) Octogenarian BJP leader J P Mathur today admitted that he had guided a research scholar in writing and analysing a book on the pre-partition days when a section of the Muslims were opting for Pakistan on religious grounds.

He said the scholar had tried to analyse the then prevailing situation in the country during the pre-partition time. People are trying to find fault with the book but they must come out in the open to say which portion is actually objectionable, he said.

''Some mischief is being played on the issue,'' Mr Mathur added.

He parried a question on whether RSS had advised them to either withdraw the book or speak to the media about it, saying ''this is part of the same anti-BJP campaign.'' Meanwhile, Vice President Muqtar Abbas Naqvi and party spokesman Prakash Javedkar said they have neither heard of any book which led to any controversy in the party nor is there any advice from the RSS to the party or its members on the subject.

Talking to UNI, Mr Naqvi said he has not yet come across any such book so there is no question of RSS advising them not to speak to the media on the issue.

Mr Javedkar said he cannot comment on it as he had not heard of any such book.

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