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'No Compromise', BJP's damage control mantra

Sheela Bhatt in New Delhi

The Bharatiya Janata Party's media managers met the Prime Minster Atal Bihari Vajpayee on Tuesday.

According to rediff.com sources, the government is readying a defence strategy in view of the failure of the Agra summit.

Narendra Modi, the party's spokesperson said, "The journey has just begun. Between Simla and Lahore there was a long gap. But between Kargil and Agra we have travelled faster. Tension is definitely less. We are trying."

He added that pressure from people from both the sides would increase, forcing the countries to come to an agreement.

When asked about the Sushma Swaraj controversy he said, "Jaswant Singh has said clearly that she is not to be blamed. Pakistan is playing it up to avoid any blame on them. The theory of a 'hidden hand' is a gimmick launched by the Pakistan side. Unfortunately media has picked it up."

When asked why is he reluctant to concede that the Agra talks have failed, he said, "From the beginning my party has said that we are not expecting miracles. Fifty-three-year old wounds can't be healed in five hours."

He added that the very fact that Vajpayee and Musharraf have agreed to meet again is an 'achievement'.

While commenting on the impact of the Agra summit on his party, he said, "BJP is not worried .We will tell our people that we have not compromised. That will be our message from Agra."

'No compromise' is our slogan, he added.

Indo-Pak Summit 2001: The Complete Coverage

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