Advani a nationalist: Naqvi

A day after Bharatiya Janata Party [ Images ] chief Lal Kishenchand Advani [ Images ] resigned from the party's presidentship after coming under attack for his comments praising Mohammad Ali Jinnah [ Images ], the founder of Pakistan, senior BJP leader Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi said Advani's is a nationalist and he does not need to prove it to anyone.

Also see: Advani won't take back resignation -- Aide

Commenting in the public for the first time on Advani's comments describing Jinnah as secular and a nationalist, Naqvi said:  "After the Rath Yatra [from Somnath to Ayodhya in 1990], some people described him [Advani] as communal. After the Pakistan yatra, he has been dubbed secular. These comments will not affect his strong nationalistic image."

Naqvi was speaking to reporters after attending a meeting of senior leaders at party vice-president Venkaiah Naidu's residence in New Delhi [ Images ].

Also see: Advani quit over Togadia's 'traitor' tag

"Advani was always a nationalist, is a nationalist and will always remain a nationalist," Naqvi said.

He urged Advani to withdraw his resignation.