``We should speak in one voice'' said the BJP spokesman M Venkaiah Naidu today about controversy emanating from Fernandes's remarks. Naidu had earlier termed the statement as George's own perception at that time which has changed with the changing situation.

Other senior BJP leaders too blamed Fernandes for speaking out of turn creating a controversy no one wanted at this juncture. ``Whatever Fernandes said may be true. But this was no time to issue such a statement'' said a BJP general secretary. Another senior leader blamed him of suffering from "verbal diarrhoea" and a tendency to hog media headlines without caring for fallout of his remarks.

Party's Central Election Management Committee which met here today too discussed the issue and is learnt to have decided to disassociate itself from George's remarks.``Its beyond comprehension. How can he absolve ISI and Sharif? If he thinks Pak Army is so powerful that it could bypass the Prime Minister, won't people ask why did Vajpayee sign Lahore declaration with Sharif and not with the Pak military chief?'' asked a former Union Minister.

BJP leaders had initially defended George's comments but changed its stand on finding almost all opposition parties baying for his blood for "reckless comments". The party seems to have realised that the statement may harm them politically at polls.