Nellore (Andhra Pradesh): Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee today (Apr 3, 2004) accused the Congress of not supporting his Government's peace initiatives with Pakistan.

"When the entire world welcomed our peace initiative, our gesture of friendship with Pakistan has not been liked by the Congress," he said at a joint election rally with key National Democratic Alliance (NDA) ally Telugu Desam Party (TDP) supremo Chandrababu Naidu in attendance.

BJP president Venkaiah Naidu was also present.

Vajpayee said he had told the Pakistani leaders that there would be no benefit in fighting each other and "we will only lose something".

"At a place where bombs used to explode earlier, we are now playing cricket. Both countries can come together and resolve their problems. We told the Pakistani leadership that neither will benefit from the fighting and we will only lose something," Vajpayee said.

In a bid to woo Muslims, the Prime Minister said, "There has been no discrimination against them. The NDA Government during its five years has always worked for their development and progress."

Keeping up his attack on the Congress, he said, "It was the Congress which had opposed the Women's Reservation Bill and if we get a clear majority in the coming elections, we will ensure its passage in Parliament."

Vajpayee also accused the Congress of "spreading confusion" on the question of employment generation, saying that the Government has been providing employment to about 60 lakh people even though it was not in a direct manner.

Vajpayee reiterated his party's stand to invite TDP to join NDA instead of just extending support from outside.

"I have asked TDP leadership to join the Government this time so that we can work together to achieve our goal," he said.

In a clear message to the naxalites, Vajpayee asked them to shun the path of violence and join the democratic process.

"Your (naxalite) problems cannot be resolved through violence. If you want power then follow the democratic path and participate in the election. You cannot get power at gun point," he said.

Congratulating the Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister for bravely fighting the menace of terrorism, he said, "The entire nation's eyes are focussed on AP and its fight against terrorism and it was this which had led the CM to seek a fresh mandate from the people."

Stressing that the emphasis of his Government if voted back to power would be development, Vajpayee said its aim was to interlink rivers to overcome the perennial problems of drought and floods and also herald a second green revolution in the country.

The PM outlined the various schemes undertaken by his Government during the last five years ranging from healthcare for all and compulsory primary education and also giving facilities like gas and phone connections.

Chief Minister Naidu appreciated the work done by the NDA under Vajpayee's leadership and urged the electorate to vote the NDA back to power to enable it to complete the unfinished task.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is fielding retired IPS officer K Bala Kondiah from Nellore Lok Sabha constituency.