Pioneer News Service / Ahmedabad
The Pioneer
September 4, 1999
Title: Sonia's Kargil remarks irresponsible: Advani Author: Pioneer News Service / Ahmedabad Publication: The Pioneer Date: September 4, 1999 BJP stalwart and Union Home Minister LK Advani termed Congress president Sonia Gandhi's statement that Kargil was a ploy of the BJP to get re-elected as sheer irresponsibility showing patriotic and political bankruptcy that had no parallel in the history of independent India. Addressing a press conference here on Friday, hours before campaigning for the Lok Sabha ended, the BJP central election committee chairman said the Congress was in the proccess of reducing itself to a caricature in Indian politics. Mr Advani said he had no doubt that the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) was set for a victory and a stinging defeat was in the offing for the Congress party led by Ms Gandhi. Striking a sarcastic note, Mr Advani said the Congress had been claiming that it alone can provide stability in the country. "The people will soon give it an opportunity to redeem its pledge. They will defeat it decisively pushing its parliamentary presence well below its present level - that is Congress will be forced to remain a `stable Opposition party' for full five years. Its reduced numbers, and consequentially the decisive majority for the NDA, will make the Congress incapable of indulging in its favourite game of toppling non-Congress Governments," he said. The Union Home Minister pointed out that unlike in the previous 12 general elections, the BJP this time was going before the electorate not as an Opposition party but a party of Government. "What is more, we will seek and get a renewed, decisive mandate on the strength of our incumbency. Usually, Governments in office have to contend with the formidable anti-incumbency factor. The Vajpayee Government will create a record of sorts in independent India's history by becoming the first Government to return to office on the basis of its performance in a short time of 17 months," he added.
This archive was generated by (modified version of) hypermail.pl 1.00