Curious fallout of Advani's faux pas

I have been following the latest developments on the Advani front, keeping myself up to date with every breaking news. Lest I get the news late, I have been scanning the news portals for any and every tit-bit. And whats more, I have also been reading some of the comments posted by readers in some of the news sites. And what do I know, I was pleasently surprised by what I read.

The Advani episode has thrown up a peculiar pattern of comments that I have noticed in many news sites. Something that could not have happened few years ago, is now shaping up .Though it might be a temporary phenomenon, its nevertheless a turning point.

Fashion these comments from the BBC's news portal :

...If Mr Advani rightly tried to pacify the situation nothing is wrong in it. Even in Pakistan the people have different opinions whether Quaid-e-Azam wanted Pakistan a secular or religious country. Mr Advani is right in his observations.
Bashir Ahmad Malik, Pakistan

I strongly believe that the founder of Pakistan was a moderate, secular leader ... Mr Advani has been true in expressing RIGHT things about this great Islamic republic's founder.
Asmar Ahmad Atif, Pakistan

India is considered secular and democratic ... If Indians cannot tolerate positive comments for the founder of Pakistan from their leader, how can peace be restored or confidence can be established between Pakistan and India.
Saqlain, Pakistan

All the above quoted comments are by real people from Pakistan. Curiosly, most of the comments coming from Pakistani's are more or less supportive of the embattled Indian leader. Pakistani readers being supportive of a known hindu nationalist hawk was unthinkable before. That too, for citizens of a state, that is moving towards a more rigid form of religious interpretation, to be supportive of an indian leader who calls their father of the nation a secularist is surprising by any standards.

Everybody would have expected them to tell him not to play politics with partition. That if he was looking for a change to be seen as a moderate he should do it in an election rally in his own country and not drag the Quaid-E-Azam's name into petty politics.

But they did not do that. They instead appreciated him and expressed shock when he was taken to task for committing heresy in his own country.

On the other hand, many Indians questioned Advani's judgement. Quite a few comments were harsh on him.

Mr. Advani's resignation smacks of the usual Indian political drama of getting sympathy votes...preparation for the coming state assembly elections. Hey Ram.
George, Uk

Advani, enough of your nonsense. You have shown your true colours. BJP must take this opportunity and select a new, strong & vibrant leadership. If not, BJP, you are doomed, 100% guarantee!
Kapil, US

Though there might be quite a few Indians who are in agreement with the essence of what Advani is conveying, the 'could'nt care less' attitude of quite a sizable number has drowned it out.

That is really a pity. Because may be this time around Advani is genuinely trying to speak out and change course but unfortunately the electorate just would'nt want to listen.