The Hindu : BJP fomenting hatred: Sonia

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Friday, Sep 26, 2003

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BJP fomenting hatred: Sonia

By Luv Puri

Jammu Sept. 25. The Congress president, Sonia Gandhi, today accused the Bharatiya Janata Party of fomenting communal hatred in the country.

Addressing a public meeting at Leh today, she said: "The BJP is creating an artificial wedge between brothers (bhai bhai mein algav phehla rahe hai) and this is in contrast to our (Indian) values which have stood the test of centuries."

Indirectly referring to the Kargil coffin scam, she said: "The troops in the forward areas such as Ladakh, who are safeguarding our frontiers, should be provided with all the necessary equipment. There should not be any corruption in this as this is a matter of national security, which is of paramount importance to every one."

The Congress president said, "I had come to Jammu and Kashmir some months ago (May last). Things are improving in the State and the record number of tourists this summer is ample proof of the good days to come."

Recalling the Nehru clan's link with the people of Ladakh, she said: "The Gandhi-Nehru family has a close relationship with the people of Ladakh. Nehruji after becoming Prime Minister used to visit the place quite often and this was true of Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi."

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