BJP promises 'safer borders' if voted to power in LS polls

With increase in ceasefire violations by Pakistan and incursions by Chinese army into the Indian territory, BJP today promised "safer borders" in the event of it forming government with Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi at the helm of affairs after the next Lok Sabha polls.

"I can give an assurance that we will have safer borders," party's national spokesperson Meenakshi Lekhi told reporters here when asked if she could assure of safe borders if Modi, touted as party's likely prime ministerial candidate for next year's LS polls, headed the government.

On holding talks with Islamabad, Lekhi slammed Pakistan for recent ceasefire violations, including the slaying of Indian soldiers early this month and said its complicity, besides that of China, was there for all to see.

Pakistan was not acting on any issues concerning India, whether it was handing over of terrorist Hafiz Saeed or underworld don Dawood Ibrahim, she said adding "who are we talking to and what are we talking about."

Asked if she did not favour talks at all, she said they should be held when India was in a position of strength, with Islamabad acting on its concerns including infiltration, and handing over of wanted terrorists.

On the issue of Chinese incursions, Lekhi "condemned" India's approach and wanted government to give the Indian army a free hand to deal with the matter.

Lekhi slammed the alleged gangrape of a photojournalist in Mumbai on Thursday, saying it was a "grim reminder" of the situation women faced, especially in the wake of the Delhi gangrape incident last year.

She also demanded that the culprits involved in the gunning down of Pune-based activist Narendra Dabholkar be arrested and made to face due legal procedure.

On the Sri lankan Tamils issue, she favoured implementation of the 13th amendment of the Indo-Sri Lanka accord and thus ensure the rights of minority Tamils.

On the Central scholarship scheme for minority students, she said such initiatives should not discriminate based on religion but economic conditions should be the yardstick.

Gujarat government was implementing a programme on such basis, giving Rs 2500 per student which was more than the Central scheme in terms of both the financial assistance and coverage of beneficiaries, she said.