Remarks about Patel, not Jinnah, led to Jaswant's expulsion: BJP

In an apparent attempt to shield senior party leader LK Advani who had earlier praised MA Jinnah, BJP today said Jaswant Singh was expelled not for his views on Pakistan founder but for his "uncharitable" comments against Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.

BJP spokesman Ravi Shankar Prasad said "there is a difference" between Advani's and Jaswant's views on Patel. "It is well-known that Advani holds Sardar Patel as an iconic figure," he said.

Prasad said Advani had been "misunderstood" on his comments on Jinnah in 2005. "Advani had quoted Jinnah during his official visit to Pakistan in 2005 and said that the laws for Hindus and Muslims in Pakistan would be the same".

Prasad's contention came amid questions whether the party had applied different yardsticks while dealing with Advani and Jaswant Singh over praise of Jinnah.

A BJP source said the decision to expel Jaswant came after some members expressed strong views on the comments made about Patel whom party has always held in high esteem.

The party has even been likening Advani to Patel in respect of his iron-man image.

Some sections were even concerned that showing Patel in poor light would affect BJP votes in Gujarat.