BJP seeks apology from PM, Sonia on Ram Sethu

Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu, Sep 18 (UNI) The Bharathiya Janata Party (BJP) today reiterated its demand for an apology from Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and AICC President Sonia Gandhi for hurting the sentiments of the people on the Ram Sethu issue.

Addressing the press here tonight, BJP Spokesperson Ravi Shankar Prasad termed the Centre's withdrawl of the affidavit filed before the Supreme Court on the Ram Sethu 'deliberate'.

He questioned whether the Centre would dare make a similar mistake about beliefs of other religions.

Stating the BJP was not against the Sethu Samudram Shipping Canal Project (SSCP), he said the party wanted the government to execute the project on an alternative alignment without demolishing the Ram Sethu.

He also strongly condemned Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi's remarks on Ramayana and Lord Ram saying he never expected such irresponsible comments from a veteran politician.

Asked whether there was any possibility of political realignment in Tamil Nadu following reports that BJP Leader L K Advani would meet AIADMK Supremo Jayalalithaa, he said anything might happen.

The BJP and AIADMK's stand on national security, SSCP and terrorism were similar, Mr Prasad said.

To a query, he said Mr Advani would meet Ms Jayalalithaa at a convenient time for the latter.

UNI