BJP signals truce with Uma Bharati

In a bid to prevent division of saffron votes in UP Assembly elections, a senior BJP leader today held out an olive branch to Bharatiya Janshakti Party chief Uma Bharati saying those who had been part of the saffron fold should come out in support of Hindutva.

“It is up to the party chief and the party to decide. But I would like to say that all those people who had been with us should come out in support of Hindutva,” L K Advani told a news conference here. He was asked about the VHP’s reported statements that there should be no split in Hindu votes because of the row between Bharati and the BJP and that Hindutva forces should unite.

Advani’s remarks followed the BJP’s reconciliation, brokered by the VHP, with MP Yogi Adityanath, whose revolt over ticket distribution had threatened division in saffron votes in the Gorakhpur region.