Friday, February 11 2005 15:31 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: Voicing concern over growing violence during elections, former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee today (Feb 11, 2005) said that such incidents were a grave threat to democracy.

"We have chosen parliamentary democracy for ourselves. Votes are being cast and decisions are being made through ballot. But why this violence?" Vajpayee asked, addressing a function at the BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party) office to pay tribute to Deen Dayal Upadhyaya on his death anniversary.

"Through voting, we can change a regime. Ultimately, it is a battle for power, which can be fought through peaceful elections," the senior BJP leader said.

Citing Bihar as an example, he said in that State a major concern now was how to hold proper elections.

"Thought needs to be given on why violence is increasing. It cannot be simply about the law and order situation. Even when the law and order situation is all right, there is dissatisfaction, especially among the youth," he said.

A philosophical Vajpayee said that the increasing violence was a threat grave to democracy and posed a danger to our cultural values.

He said that the solution lay in following the ideals of Upadhyaya. "We need to rededicate ourselves to the ideals of Deen Dayal Upadhyaya and follow his philosophy of Integral Humanism," he said.