Advani: Vichar Yatra, a book in Hindi by Panchjanya editor Shri Tarun Vijay, was released at World Book Fair in New Delhi on February 2. The book, which is a compilation of the best and selected interviews with Shri L.K. Advani by Shri Tarun Vijay from 1980 to 2007, was released by the Asian Age editor Shri M.J. Akbar. Shri L.K. Advani, former governor of Karnataka Shri T.N. Chaturvedi, senior journalist and columnist Dr Vedpratap Vaidik and noted literary person Shri Laxmishankar Vajpayee were also present on the occasion. The book has been published by the Kitabghar Prakashan.
Speaking on the occasion, Shri L.K. Advani said there should be no untouchability in politics as it is dangerous for the development. He said the BJP along with the Left parties extended outside support to the Vishwanath Pratap Singh government in 1990 with a view to removing untouchability from politics. Referring to various ups and downs in his political life he said there was a time when the leaders belonging to anti-BJP ideologies refrain from meeting him publicly and also having meals together. He said this tendency still prevails in the country and must be removed for all.
Shri M.J. Akbar described Shri Advani as a thinking politician and said the journalists enjoy interviewing him. He suggested that Shri Advani'sinterviews on December 13 attack on Parliament and the Agra Dialogue with Pervez Musharraf should also have been incorporated in the book. Shri T.N Chaturvedi said the book has historical importance. Dr Vedpratap Vaidik said the interviews are regarded as more authentic than articles and are very important for the research students. (FOC)
