New Delhi: Outgoing Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairperson Najma Heptulla, the surprise entry in the BJP's (Bharatiya Janta Party) candidates list for the Upper House, tonight (Jun 10, 2004) said that her nomination showed that the saffron party respected the "sacrifices and contribution" of individuals and negated the allegation that it was anti-secular.

Reacting to BJP's decision to nominate her as its candidate for Rajya Sabha elections from Rajasthan, Heptualla told 'Aaj Tak' that it was not because of her statements in favour of BJP or former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee prior to the Lok Sabha elections.

"BJP has been often blamed of not being secular and this is one of the examples to negate this theory. This party recognises sacrifices and contributions....," Heptulla, who was given a farewell from Rajya Sabha today, said.

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However, Heptulla who was in war of words with Congress in before the elections, did not give any reply to a question about whether Congress had not recognised her contribution.

Asked whether she was comfortable with BJP on the Gujarat issue despite belonging to minority community, Heptulla said, "BJP leaders have condemned Gujarat riots and even expressed regrets. Even during the Congress rules, communal riots have taken place."

To a question about Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi, she said, "If Modi thinks that he has committed some mistake, he will set it right and ensure that it is not repeated in future