BJP not against Muslims: Gadkari

New Delhi, Apr 25: In an apparent attempt to reach out to the Muslims, BJP President Nitin Gadkari on Sunday, Apr 25 that the the party which was unfortunately wrapped up in the Hindutva image was not against the community.

"We are not against Muslims. We are not a communal or caste-based party. We are only against terrorists and not against any religion," Gadkari said in a news agency report.

However, Gadakari said that there was nothing to be ashamed of about the Hindutva or the core issues of the BJP, including uniform civil code and Ram temple at Ayodhya.

The BJP President said that the party was caught up in a battle between 'image versus reality', which he added was 'unfortunate'.

Gadkari slammed Congress for the delay in executing Parliament attack convict Afzal Guru, alleging that the convict was not executed because he is a Muslim.

He refused to comment on the party plans like BJP's Prime Ministerial candidate, its strategy on cut-motions in Lok Sabha this week, including the party's prepardness for immediate mid-term elections.

In response to a query on reaching out the Muslim voters, Gadkari said it would definitely woo the Muslims voters.

"100 per cent, we will reach out to Muslims," he said, adding that he wants the members of Muslim community in his party, which even though may take time must be done with conviction.

"We want to remove their hunger, poverty, lack of education," he said.

Concerning the Babri Masjid demolition, Gadkari said that the incident 'unfortunate' but what was demolished was a disputed structure and not a mosque.

"A mosque is one when prayers are offered regularly... Moreover, a Ram idol was kept there," he pointed out.

However, he said that his party does not consider Ayodhya as a political issue but it was matter of faith, adding that all parties should look at beyond the political considerations.

He said that the Ram temple should be built at the birth place of Lord Rama in Ayodhya.

Asked to comment on Uniform Civil Code, he said that it has to be there in the country.

"There should be one law for everybody in this country. In which country of the world is there separate law for Muslims?" he asked, while expressing doubts whether raising such a progressive issue amounts to communalism.

OneIndia News