Tirupur: Prime Minister A B Vajpayee today (May 5, 2004) appealed to the citizens to vote "wisely", keeping the national picture in the mind, since the vote will determine the composition of the next Government in Delhi.

"If you ask me whom do you vote for, the answer is I voted for myself," Vajpayee, addressing an election meeting, said.

"This is because I am a voter and a candidate in Lucknow and I cast my vote before coming here," he said.

Elections 2004-The Drama unfolds...

"It is for you to choose whichever party you like, as it is the right given to you by the Indian constitution," he said.

Appealing to the crowd to exercise their right, he said, "You should go and vote because vote is not only your right, but your duty in a democracy."

Stating that the voters were electing their representative of their choice to the Lok Sabha and not for State Assembly, Vajpayee said that they had already given a mandate to Jayalalithaa and All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK).

The State issues were less in Lok Sabha elections and what was important that there should be a stable and strong Government at the Centre. Instability can push India at least a decade back, Vajpayee said.

"If you think India needs a strong stable Government, ask yourself which party or coalition can take the country forward and suppress anti-national forces, terrorism and divisive forces," he said.

"Do you think Congress can provide a stable Government? the answer is a resounding no!" he said.