The BJP on Friday hailed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s surprise lahore stopover terming it a “path-breaking” departure from the “protocol-driven” politics between India and Pakistan. The party said there could not have been a better day than the birthday of Atal Bihari Vajpayee for this.
BJP general secretary Ram Madhav said the two neighbours needed to inject informality in their relations, as is the case in many places of the world like the EU and ASEAN. “PM Modi’s sudden stopover at lahore to greet Pakistan PM Nawaz Sharif is a much needed departure from protocol-driven politics between the two countries. like leaders of other nations in the world like the EU, ASEAN and even countries in our neighborhood leaders of India and Pakistan too needed to inject informality in their relations,’ Madhav said.
“What better day than the birthday of Atalji for this path-breaking departure!, “Madhav, who plays an important role in shaping the party’s views on external affairs, tweeted.
BJP spokesperson Nalin Kohli said Modi had sent out a message about closer regional cooperation when he had taken the oath of office and his visit should be welcomed. He described the visit a “bold and innovative” gesture, adding that only by making concerted efforts lasting peace between the two countries can come by.
“No doubt there have been problems and hiccups but if effort is not made, then how can be peace achievedIJ This does not mean that India and Modi do not recognise that there are issues of concerns that matter to us,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Vishwa Hindu Parishad expressed hope that Modi’s visit will lead to effective action against cross-border terrorism as well as terror masterminds like Dawood Ibrahim, Hafiz Saeed and Zakiur Rehman lakhvi.
“Whatever may be the reasons behind the Prime Minister’s surprise visit to lahore, we hope that his tour of Pakistan leads to effective action by the neighboring country against terrorists operating from their soil”, VHP international working president Pravin Togadia said in a statement.