Political settlement sought to Tamils issue

Lamenting that the political parties in Tamil Nadu were speaking in terms of ‘separatism’ in Sri Lanka, despite the Tamil leaders like Sambandan in Lanka favouring a political settlement within the framework of a united Sri Lanka, BJP leader Sushma Swaraj said that she told Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa that he should work for a genuine political settlement ensuring dignity to the Tamils in the island nation.

“I told the President to move forward for a political settlement when leaders like Tamil nation leader Sambandan had wanted a settlement within the framework of united lanka.

You are committed to the 13th amendment and devolution of powers and why don’t you implement the recommendations of Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC), I asked him” she said addressing a huge gathering of party members at the Thamarai Sangamam here on Thursday.

“When the President told me that he can’t force the Tamil leaders on the issue, I urged Mr Mahinda to persuade the leaders to take part in the parliament select committee…

I had said so while representing India. When we as Indians believe in the unity and integrity of our country, we must respect the sovereignty of our neighbours,” she said and added that as Indians “we can’t close our eyes to the plight of our brothers and sisters in Lanka.”

Flaying the media for being sceptical of the Indian delegation’s visit to Lanka, she said “it was work and work from 8 am to11 pm, it was no picnic and no fun,” She also regretted that the political parties in Tamil Nadu, especially the AIADMK and the DMK, withdrew their nominees at the eleventh hour and boycotted the Lankan visit which was meant to convey India’s opinion on the displaced Tamils.

BJP best alternative to Congress: Advani

BJP senior L.K. Advani on Thursday likened building a political party to that of winning a war and said that BJP which was relegated to the fourth position in 1952 when the Bharatiya Jan Sangh was formed, has now risen to the top position of being the best alternative to Congress at the Centre.

“Good generals, commanders and strategy matter most in winning a war. So also building the political party requires the same parameters.

Over the years the BJP had become a strong party at the national level due to good generals like Shyam Prasad Mukherjee, Deendayal Upadhya and A.B. Vajpayee. .. And today we are either first or second.

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