Proud that greats like Advani Ji strengthened BJP: PM Modi

Posting a tweet, Modi wrote: "Advani Ji perfectly sums up the true essence of BJP, most notably the guiding Mantra of ‘Nation First, Party Next, Self Last.’
Proud to be a BJP Karyakarta and proud that greats like LK Advani Ji have strengthened it. http://blog.lkadvani.in/nation-first-party-next-self-last/ …"

In a blog titled "Nation First, Party Next, Self Last", Advani wrote: "Defense of democracy and democratic traditions, both within the Party and in the larger national setting, has been the proud hallmark of the BJP."

The BJP veteran also urged his party to "look back, look ahead and look within."

Advani has been upset with the party for dropping him as the candidate from the Gandhinagar seat, which he held for six terms,  in the upcoming Lok Sabha election. 

He was told that he cannot contest in the upcoming election, said reports.

The BJP instead named party chief Amit Shah as the candidate from the said seat.

"The essence of Indian democracy is respect for diversity and freedom of expression. Right from its inception, the BJP has never regarded those who disagree with us politically as our 'enemies', but only as our adversaries," Advani wrote.

He continued that, "in our conception of Indian nationalism, we have never regarded those who disagree with us politically as anti-national. The party has been committed to freedom of choice of every citizen at personal as well as political level."

Advani said the BJP had always demanded protection of independence, integrity, fairness and robustness of all democratic institutions.

Mamata Reacts:

Reacting to the blog, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee tweeted: "As the senior most politician, fmr Dy PM and founding father of BJP, the views AdvaniJi has expressed about extending democratic courtesies,is significant. Of course, all Opposition who raise their voices are not anti national. We welcome his statement & convey our humble regards."