The British National Party leader has hit back at claims it is helping to whip-up racial tension in Oldham.
Oldham BNP election candidate Mr Nick Griffin spoke following three nights of race riots resulting in the arrests of 49 whites and Asians.
Mr Griffin said it was "ridiculous" for police and community leaders to point the finger of blame at his party.
He said: "It's not us who had up to 1,000 people throwing things at the police and attacking their neighbours because they are a different colour."
Mr Griffin, who is standing in Oldham West, said the Asian community had over-reacted after the home of a pregnant Asian woman was attacked on Saturday night, sparking hours of rioting.
But Mr Khurshid Ahmed of the Pakistani Cultural Association said he would ask both whites and Asians to accept they were living in a multi-cultural society and learn to live side by side. He believed the BNP and National Front had caused the problems.
Mr Ahmed added: "People have to start working together. We need regular meetings with people at the bottom level in the community."
Officers are preparing for a fourth night patrolling the streets of the town where a "zero tolerance" policy is in operation.
PA
