BJP plays ball, Sena queers pitch

The BJP president, in tune with the official line, said: ‘‘Ultimately, the most critical issue in India-Pakistan relations is the issue of cross-border terrorism. No meaningful, productive and sustained dialogue can take place with Pakistan as long as they carry on with cross-border terrorism. A dialogue with Pakistan would be possible only when evidence can be seen on the ground to show that cross-border terrorism has come to an end.’’ He called upon Pakistan to put an ‘‘immediate end to its sponsorship and patronage of terrorism’’.

Naidu sought to reinforce the Government strategy to keep the proposed dialogue with the Hurriyat Conference an internal issue, leaving no scope for any involvement of Pakistan in the process. He said the CBMs ‘‘do not in any way affect the reality of the entire state of Jammu and Kashmir being an integral and inalienable part of India.’’ ‘‘The proposed discussions with the Hurriyat,’’ he underlined, are a ‘‘part of our internal process and have nothing to do with our relations with Pakistan.’’

Naidu, who has missed no opportunity since the double-barrel leadership controversy to reassure Vajpayee about his good intentions and loyalty, utilised this latest occasion too to the same end. Praising him sky-high, he said: ‘‘Prime Minister Vajpayee is known the world over as a man of peace. He has taken several bold and imaginative steps to improve India’s relations with many countries. These proposals show his visionary leadership and commitment to a South Asia marching ahead together. As a democratically elected leader, it is only natural that the concerns and welfare of people are uppermost in his mind.’’