Serious differences have surfaced in the BJP over its national spokesperson Rajiv Pratap Rudy’s criticism of US President Barack Obama. The BJP leader attacked the US President for not making any direct reference to terror emanating from Pakistan in his speech at Taj Mahal Hotel, Mumbai, which was one of the prime targets of 26/11 terror attack. Mr Rudy had further said that Mr Obama’s words against terrorism were “not backed with action and intent.”
Party sources disclosed Leader of Opposition Ms Sushma Swaraj is being held responsible for engineering this attack on the US President. Ms Swaraj is expected to call on Mr Obama on Monday.
Sources said BJP leadership, which had been consistently toeing a pro-US line, did not want to be seen taking a radical view during the first visit of US’s 44th President in the country.
Reeling under anti-Obama rhetoric’s by its party spokesperson, the BJP has now decided to come out with a statement only after Mr Obama’ address to Indian MPs in the Central Hall of Parliament on Monday.
Despite the disgruntlement over Mr Rudy’s remarks, the party has decided “not to disassociate from the statement made by its spokesperson at its routine media briefing.” Sources disclosed after Mr Rudy’s statement, there was a major discomfort among a section of party leaders who were of the view that such a critical statement was not required.
Mr Rudy had said that US President’s speech was a “complete disappointment as the world and the US had proof that the attack was planned on Pakistani soil by its intelligence agencies.”
The issue will also be taken up during the party’s core meeting on Sunday at Mr Advani’s residence.