1 Apr : Affirming BJP’s commitment to the uplift of tribals, backward, dalits and poor, party stalwart L K Advani on Wednesday said it was the previous NDA government which had for the first time formed a ministry for Tribal Welfare at the Centre.
Ministry of Tribal Affairs had been created during NDA rule under the leadership of Atal Bihari Vajpayee and BJP leader Jual Oram from Orissa had been made the first minister in its charge, Advani said while addressing an election rally in Orissa’s Sundargarh.
"BJP’s track record shows it is a party for the nation and for common people. We are committed to uplift the poor, tribals and dalits and the NDA government had taken a host of steps in this regard," he said.
He said only BJP and its allies were capable of providing honest and efficient government to transform the country into the most advanced nation.
Terming collapse of BJP’s decade-long alliance with Naveen Patnaik-led BJD in Orissa as a blessing in disguise, Advani said it would further motivate the party to come out with flying colours in the coming elections.
The BJP’s prime ministerial candidate, who also addressed poll meetings at Biramitrapur and Athmallik, said whenever BJP was deserted by its partners it gained strength and power.
He said BJP, which was once ditched in Karnataka, gained strength and power later.