Gujral kicks off poll drive with pat for AGP

"I have not come here to talk about the elections. Why should I tell you whom to vote for? Why should I even tell you to vote for the United Front? You, the people, know well whom to elect. Vote for those who believe in the unity of the country," Gujral said.

He however spoke at length on the achievements of the 18-month old United Front, and said this was one government which the country ever had which had no allegation of corruption against it.

"Ours was the first government which was transparent in its policies and activities. It was also the first government where every region, every State had a representation. And there were no grievances from any quarter," Gujral, whose speech was a virtual summing up of the UF government’s performance, said.

Gujral also indirectly lambasted the BJP and the Congress, without however naming them, and said some parties had the tendency to behave in such a manner as if the country belonged exclusively to them alone.

"This is one country. This country belongs to all its citizens. Nobody should think it is their exclusive property," the Prime Minister, who spoke for about 30 minutes, said.

On the insurgency situation of Assam and the north-east, he reiterated the UF government’s policy of peaceful negotiations, and once again appealed to the militant groups to come forward for talks.

"Whether it is Assam or Nagaland, Manipur or Tripura, I once again appeal to the youths who have taken up arms. I extend my hand of friendship. Come, let us talk, let us discuss and sort out the problems," Gujral said.

He said senseless killings would lead the region to nowhere, and asked the youths to become more responsible "because the future of the country is in the hands of the youths."

Gujral also appealed to the militant groups to give up talking through the gun and participate in elections.