London: Regretting the habitual negative approach of the Opposition parties, Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee has sought their co-operation in constructive policies being pursued by his government for the country's speedy development.

Addressing the Indian community in London at a reception on October 12 night, he recalled that despite being a bitter critic of Indira Gandhi and widespread criticism over the PL-480 issue, he had supported her step of ushering in the Green Revolution as it was a good policy.

"But nowadays, even the good work being done by the government is opposed," Vajpayee who returns on October 13 night at the end of his three-nation week long trip to Cyprus, Denmark and Britain, said to a large gathering which gave him a standing ovation.

He, however, recalled that on the day Parliament was attacked by terrorists in December last, the leader of Opposition Sonia Gandhi had telephoned him to enquire about his welfare and he in turn sought to know her whereabouts.

"At times of crisis, we have so much of concern for each other. This reflects true and thriving Democracy. Parties may come and go but the strengths of Parliamentary Democracy will take the nation forward to greater heights," he said.

In this effort, Vajpayee asked the Non-Resident Indians to play a greater role in the speedy development of India. "In China's progress, Non-Resident Chinese have played a major role," he pointed out.

Vajpayee said the country was proud of the achievements of NRIs. "You have won laurels through sheer hard work and dedication."

He said there was tremendous demand for Indian scientists and doctors from several countries. In fact, some of the leading companies from abroad directly approach Indian universities to tap the talent.

Referring to the progress made by the country, he said, despite widespread drought, there was no shortage of food-grains and there was no need to import food. "In fact, we have sufficient buffer stock and we are exporting the grains."

The Prime Minister said government was committed to remove discrimination based on caste or creed. "Everyone has the right to follow their faith. Nobody has a right to stop others from worshipping in the way they want," he said.

The Prime Minister who regaled the audience with his poetry "Kadam Milake Chalna Hoga", said while the country had made giant strides in a number of spheres, it was unfortunate the number of poor in the country had also gone up.

After he recited his poetry and invited a few from the audience to participate, Vajpayee was given a standing ovation by the gathering.

The reception was attended among others by Lord Navneet Dholakia, president of the Liberal Democrats Party, Keith Vaz, former minister for Europe and Laxmi Mittal, NRI steel baron.

PTI