Temple restoration brings Musharraf praise from Advani

NEW DELHI: The BJP has finally found a few kind words for Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf, that too on an issue close to its heart. Leader of the Opposition LK Advani has written to Musharraf, lauding the progress made in the renovation of the Katasraj temple near Lahore.

The main portion of the temple is being restored at a cost of Rs6.3 crore to welcome pilgrims on Mahashivratri. According to legend, the temple was built by the Pandavas during their exile and a pond within it is linked with a dialogue between Yudhisthira and a yaksha.

The Katasraj temple is significant for the BJP. Advani had laid the foundation stone for the renovation project during his controversial visit to Pakistan in June 2005. But his party and the RSS had overlooked this, choosing to focus on his remarks about MA Jinnah.