NEW DELHI: The Prime Minister P.V, Narasimha Rao formally launched the Congress’s election campaign, warming the people against attempts by the Bharatiya Janata Party to exploit religious sentiments to gain electoral advantage. Addressing a huge election gaily at the Red Fort, Rao also asked the voters not to be swayed by parties using the plank of casteism cither, in an apparent reference to the Janata Dal.
He urged the people to reelect his party, pointing to its record in the past five years, during which it had not only restored peace and stability but also ensured unprecedented economic growth, In his hour-long speech, Rao said that only the Congress could complete the task begun by his government five years back, putting the county firmly on the path of progress and prosperity as it steps into the 21st century.
Rao advised the BJP not to use religion as a political weapon saying that this was against the constitution. “Leave religion to the people.”
Article extracted from this publication >> March 27, 1996
