Friday, April 28 2006 10:27 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Indore: Accusing the UPA government of being 'unconcerned and lacking ability' to ensure the country's security, Leader of Opposition L K Advani today (Apr 28, 2006)claimed that his Bharat Suraksha Yatra was an attempt to 'jolt it out of slumber' and take positive steps towards strengthening democracy.

"Two years have passed, but the Union Govenrment is not concerned about country's security. It lacks ability andcourage for it," Advani said while addressing public meetings in Dewas and Indore.

Accusing most of the political parties of engaging in vote-bank politics, the former BJP president, whose convoy received a grand welcome in Indore, claimed that the saffron party never believed in religion, caste or creed.

"Unlike Congress, the BJP does not practice appeasement of any community. It firmly believes that no one becomes a victim of injustice Hindu or Muslim," he said.

Advani accused the Congress of spreading communalism through its policies on terrorism, reservations and Bangladeshi infilteration.

He claimed that his Yatra was an attempt to create awareness among people and awaken the UPA government from its slumber for strengthening democracy in the country.

"The `Bharat Suraksha Yatra' will reach New Delhi on May 10 and issues of Quattrochi, Volcker, Scorpene submarine deal during the second half of the budget session among otherswould be raised," Advani said.

Claiming that he conceived the idea of Yatra when efforts were being made to effect reservation in the Army, Advani said the three Chiefs of armed forces had refused to conduct Muslim head count.

People like cricketers Munaf Patel and Irfan Pathan and tennis star Sania Mirza, among others have managed to become role models of thousands of people on basis of their abilities and not just reservation, he added.