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Mahajan warns of Pakistani attack

Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Pramod Mahajan said Pakistan might resort to full-fledged war with India in the near future to avenge its humiliation in the Kargil conflict.

Speaking at a massive election meeting held at B D Bhalekar ground in Nashik, Maharashtra, last night, Mahajan said Vajpayee's leadership could alone foil any attack by Pakistan. He pleaded with the voters not to permit the reins of the country to be passed on to some inexperienced hands, and reminded the masses that frequent elections hamper all developmental work.

Mahajan emphasised the valour of the Indian soldiers in the recent Kargil conflict under Vajpayee's prime ministership, recalling that in 1947, during Congress rule, one-third of Kashmir had been captured by Pakistani intruders which they continue to occupy till today.

He reminded the masses that in 1962, the Chinese had attacked India during Congress rule again, and the land they had occupied continues to be a part of China today.

Mahajan stated that he would not tolerate Sonia Gandhi as prime minister, and lashed out at her asking why it took her so long after her marriage to accept Indian citizenship. He specified that Maneka Gandhi is also a daughter-in-law of the Gandhis, but no-one is making a hue and cry about her candidature.

He clarified that he welcomes Gandhi as the wife of the late Rajiv Gandhi, as a daughter-in-law of the nation, and as president of the Congress, but not as the country's next prime minister. It is the prerogative of the nation to choose its prime minister, he added.

UNI

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