The Hindu : Low-level smear campaign by Congress: PM

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Friday, Feb 21, 2003

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Low-level smear campaign by Congress: PM

By Javed M. Ansari

SHIMLA FEB. 20. In his first public reaction to the "beef eating" allegations made against him, the Prime Minister, Atal Behari Vajpayee, today accused his political opponents of launching a "low-level smear campaign" against him.

Addressing a public meeting at the Shimla Ridge, Mr. Vajpayee said the allegations "were baseless, mischievous and low level". He said he had written a letter to Congress president, Sonia Gandhi, on the issue.

Accusing his opponents of stooping to new depths, the Prime Minister sought to take the high moral ground and said that in the 50 years of his public life he had never resorted to "below the belt" attacks on his opponents. Cautioning his partymen not to fall into the "trap" set by the Opposition, the Prime Minister said once "you start doing these things there is no limit to the level that one descends".

Mr. Vajpayee used the occasion to refer to the corruption charges levelled against the Himachal Chief Minister by his Punjab counterpart. "Those in power in the neighbouring States should seek votes for their party by talking of their performance not by hurling charges," he said.

The Prime Minister chose to deliver a homily on political and electoral ethics and advised political parties to desist from making personal attacks. "In politics we are rivals not enemies, elections should not be reduced to mudslinging, we should not end up abusing each other," he said.

A riposte, to the Prime Minister's observations is expected soon, with Ms. Gandhi scheduled to start her campaign in the State from tomorrow.

The Prime Minister accused the Opposition of spreading rumours about infighting in the BJP, both at the Centre and in Himachal Pradesh. Both he and the Deputy Prime Minister, L.K. Advani, were working in perfect sync. "We have been together for 50 years," he said. He also sought to dispel the impression that all was not well between two senior BJP leaders in the State — Shanta Kumar and Dhumal. "They are getting along fine and are working together," said the Prime Minister.

Mr. Vajpayee who arrived here from Mandi to campaign on behalf of his party, addressed a gathering at the famous Ridge this evening. Significantly, during his 45-minute speech, he sought support for the Dhumal Government on the basis of the Central Government's performance. He claimed credit for running the first successful coalition government in the country, for connecting the country through roads and an impressive telephone network in the country. "This connectivity will benefit Himachal Pradesh, flowers and fruits from the countryside will be able to reach the cities within hours," he said.

He also hinted at the possibility of his party considering the option of striking certain post-poll alliances, and urged the voters to remember his Government's achievements at the time of voting. The Prime Minister charged Pakistan with fomenting trouble by arming and supporting terrorists and vowed to fight to bring an end to the menace.

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