MIM President Asaduddeen Owaisi strongly objected giving Bharata Ratna Award to former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Padma Vibhushan Award to former Union Minister Lal Krishna Advani.

Speaking at book launching function held at Hyderabad on Sunday he said “It is unfortunate to give prestigious Bharata Ratana Award to Atal Bihari Vajpayee, who on December 5, 1992 has stated that his government will ‘level the ground’ referring about Babri Masjid demolition. His statement is still available in the You Tube. It is unfortunate to confer such a prestigious award to him, who encouraged communalism in the country.”

“Conferring Lal Krishna Advani with Padma Vibhushan Award is also very unfortunate. In fact, he spreads communalism all over the country with his Radha Yatra. People are aware that he is facing criminal charges for his role played in Babri Masjid demolition. Then how the government has conferred such a prestigious award to him?” asks Asaduddeen Owaisi.

BJP also strongly reacted to his objections. Union Minister Mukthar Abbas has stated “Vajpayee and Advani were honored for their services offered to the nation and its development. MIM leaders always see everything from communal angel only and so they are trying to project this also from communal angle. They do not like to honor the persons who served the nation but always speak about external forces like Obama Bin laden. Perhaps, they may appreciate if this award is given to Bin Laden.”

BJP official spokesperson Sudhanshu Dwivedhi reacting on Asaduddeen’s criticism, said “MIM leader may be trying to promote himself to national level politics. So, he encourages communalism to reach his goal.”