BJP will prove majority again: PM

“It would have been better if previous governments had conducted the tests when other countries were also doing so,” he added. “We felt that further delay would complicate matters, create future problems and increase the danger to national security.”

Striking an aggressive posture in the face of the Opposition’s threats to oppose the Budget and the non-cooperative attitude of allies like the AIADMK and Trinamul Congress, Vajpayee said, “If our majority is challenged we are ready to prove it.” Problemswith allies would be sorted out through interaction and dialogue, he said, adding that the differences were not as deep as the media made out.

The statement appeared to be a challenge to the Opposition as well as calculated to send a message of reassurance to MPs from the BJP and allied parties, many of whom have been privately expressing apprehension about the stability of the government.

Inaugurating a training camp organised by the BJP at Jhinjholi for its first-time MPs, the PM urged the parliamentarians to prepare the people to tighten their belts (if severe sanctions are imposed because of the Pokhran tests). MPs must be alert in the current scenario and explain the gravity of the situation to the people, he said.

In an indirect reference to the turbulence in Parliament, Vajpayee said that he was confident that the protests would cease after a few days and there would be no more hurdles. The AIADMK has been staging walkouts in the Lok Sabha and the Trinamul Congress is also posing problems. Thisis in addition to the strong opposition of the Congress and United Front to the Pokhran tests, the urea price hike and Ayodhya temple construction.

The 51 new MPs attending the two-day training camp (11 first-timers could not make it) listened intently to Vajpayee as he made it clear that efforts to internationalise the Kashmir issue would not be countenanced. “Countries which have offered to mediate have been thanked and refused,” he said. “Our conflict with Pakistan over Kashmir has been on since 1947. We have had talks and even now are ready for more talks.”

Dismissing as disinformation the rumours that India had planned to attack Pakistan, the PM said the law and order situation on the border was completely under control. The Amarnath yatra was due to start soon, he pointed out.

Vajpayee made it clear that no excuses would be accepted for absence during voting on important matters. “Each vote counts. The government’s position is such that your presence, voting and getting a majority in theHouse are a very important responsibility. Since this is the budget session, the responsibility is even greater,” he told them.