Baraut (Western UP): Apparently playing the Pakistan card in the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) poll campaign for the first time, Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee today (May 6, 2004) spoke of peace between the two nations but cautioned that the country should remain prepared for any eventuality.

Addressing a party rally in RLD leader Ajit Singh's pocket-borough of Baghpat, he expressed satisfaction that there was peace on the borders and instead of bombs exploding, cricket matches were being played.

Without naming Pakistan, he said, "But I want to caution you. The circumstances could change anytime and we should be prepared for it. We will do penance for peace. But if need be, we will also be prepared for confrontation".

Elections 2004-Where is India heading...

He said India has extended its hand of friendship towards its neighbours and "we are hopeful they will live up to it".

"We are ready to solve all problems through dialogue. But we will not compromise with the unity and integrity of the country," he said.

Attacking Congress, the Prime Minister said that it could never be an alternative to the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) Government.

The Congress earlier was averse to having any coalition and now it was ready to join hands with everyone, which shows its "weakness", he said, remarking, "Nobody is prepared to have an alliance with Congress."

The Congress did not get either "Maya" or "Mulayam" in its run-up to the polls, Vajpayee said, describing its condition as "pitiable".

He said there should be big parties who should discharge their responsibilities. "What is important is not the formation of a Government but it is the smooth functioning of the Government."

Dismissing as "propaganda" that the BJP was against any section or community, he said, "We treat all Indians equally. We make all efforts to remove any discrimination whatsoever. For us, people living in India irrespective of their language or religion are children of Mother India."

He urged Muslims to shed all their apprehensions and doubts about BJP and promised them the same treatment at par with other citizens.

The party, he said, has initiated steps with regard to education and employment of Muslims and would continue to do so in future.

Competition in politics should not vitiate the atmosphere in the country. Polls will end on May 10 and whichever Government comes to power has to take the co-operation of one and all. This is a country of 100 crore population with diverse beliefs and practices, he said.