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Journalism of Courage
KOZHIKODE, May 18: Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee today firmly ruled out mid-term elections to the Lok Sabha to tap the goodwill generated by the nuclear tests saying there was no question of BJP taking advantage of the 8220;national achievement.8221;
8220;There is no truth in reports that the government will order a mid-term poll and there is no question of BJP taking advantage of this achievement for its political benefit,8221; he said addressing a state-level BJP workers8217; convention here.
He also declared that 8220;now there will be no further tests. The underground tests have come to a stop.8221;
The successful nuclear tests were a national accomplishment and 8220;all political parties have contributed8221; to this great event, he said.8220;There is no question of any party exploiting this for its political purposes,8221; the Prime Minister said.
Vajpayee said he would not like to claim personal credit for the successful nuclear test blasts. 8220;The credit should go to the scientists and engineers who have worked hard andsucceeded in achieving what the country should have achieved long back,8221; he said.
Exuding confidence that his government would be a stable one Vajpayee said: 8220;After the teething troubles the government has settled down and is now implementing the national agenda8221;.
Asserting that his government was committed to the concept of sarva dharma sama bhavana8217;, Vajpayee said there would be no discrimination against any section of the people on the basis of religion or sect. 8220;A bogey was raised that if the BJP-led government came to power there will be no security for life and property of some sections. This has been exploded by our deeds and words8221;, he added.
8220;India is a big, ancient country with many varieties and diversities. Unity does not mean uniformity. Different religions and practices have to be cherished and to be promoted8221;, Vajpayee said.
