BJP dissociates from Jaswant`s book on Jinnah

New Delhi, Aug 18 (PTI) The main opposition Bharatiya
Janata Party (BJP) Tuesday dissociated itself from the book
written by its senior leader Jaswant Singh praising Mohammad
Ali Jinnah, saying the "painful" part of history cannot be
wished away for which the Pakistan founder was responsible.

"Views expressed by Jaswant Singh in his book 'Jinnah
-- India, Partition, Independence' does not represent views of
the party. In fact, the party completely dissociates itself
from the contents of the book," party chief Rajnath Singh told
reporters here.

In his book, Jaswant Singh has held Jawaharlal Nehru
responsible for the partition of India and Jinnah has been
"demonised" in India.

Rajnath Singh underlined that Jinnah had played an
important role in "division of India which led to a lot of
dislocation and destabilisation of millions of people".

"It is too well known we cannot wish away this painful
part of our history," he said.

He also took objection to ridiculing of Sardar
Vallabhai Patel by Jaswant Singh, saying the first India's
Home Minister played a historic role in unification and
consolidation of India amidst serious threats to its unity and
integrity.

"The entire country remains indebted and proud of all
the profound vision, courage and leadership of Patel," he
said. PTI