Pune: Stating that persons of foreign origin should not occupy high posts including that of Prime Minister, Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP's) star campaigner Varun Gandhi today (Apr 5, 2004) said, "It is a matter of national security and respecting people's wishes".

Talking to reporters, he clarified that he was not specifically referring to Congress president and his aunt Sonia Gandhi, but "it is a matter of political ideology and philosophy that people of foreign origin should not occupy high posts".

"This is because it is not only a question of national security, but also respecting the wishes of millions of people of India. We have to respect people's emotions," he said.

He was speaking after campaigning for party's nominees from Pune, Baramati and Khed - Pradeep Rawat, Prithviraj Jachak and Shivajirao Adhalrao Patil respectively.

Asked if he experienced conflicting emotions when he opposed Gandhi in politics, Varun said, "Relationship is one side and politics is another. In politics there is room for differences, but not for hatred."

Replying to a question on Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi's controversial remarks on Sonia Gandhi and Rahul, Varun said it was "unfortunate" as there should not be any personal attack.

"However, the Chief Minister has admitted his mistake, which shows his magnanimity," he added.