Woo minorities, PM tells his BJP

Prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee on Saturday exhorted his Bharatiya Janata Party members to expand its base among minorities, scheduled castes and tribes and women on a war footing for electoral success.

In his concluding remarks on the final day of the two-day national executive meet in Indore, Vajpayee said party chief M Venkaiah Naidu had done commendable work in this direction.

He expressed satisfaction over his government successfully completing five years and was marching ahead to fulfill the expectations of the people.

Significantly, the prime minister steered clear of the controversial Ayodhya issue.

Referring to the results of the assembly polls in Gujarat and Himachal Pradesh, the prime minister advocated a cautious approach in Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan and Delhi, where elections are due in November.

While saying the results in these states would indicate the mood of the nation, he expressed confidence the party would be victorious in the four states.

The BJP national executive's resolution on VAT indicated that the party had taken note of the adverse reaction by the trading community considered it staunch supporters.

The resolution said states could enter into a dialogue with traders on VAT and, if necessary, amend it.

In its resolution, the party thanked its partners in the National Democratic Alliance for the success of the government.

It also said that unflinching commitment to national interests and faithful adherence to the common minimum agenda was instrumental in the ruling coalition being able to successfully overcome all challenges.

"Today, out alliance is stronger and more cohesive than ever before," the resolution stated. "Atalji's tenure is an era of statesmanship, stability and development. It marks the evolution of India as a global force, as an economic power, a crucial diplomatic player and a nuclear power."

The resolution criticised the Congress party for its contempt of coalition politics while commending the BJP's commitment to the concept.