Beed, Mar 20: Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee today said Kshatrapati Shivaji is his ideal and condemned the derogatory remarks made in a book—'Shivaji: The Hindu King in Islamic India' (by James Laine)--against the Maratha King. Addressing a rally here today, Vajpayee reminding people of the Maratha glory said his government is ready to take action in this connection.

The PM, who launched BJP's election campaign in Maharashtra, criticised the earlier Congress bid of creating confusion among his alliance partners just to topple his government.

Citing his party's commitment to provide basic facilities to people, he said, "The Congress remained in power for almost four decades but it failed to address these issues."

"I don't say that the country failed to develop during the Congress regime, but the issues related to people were neglected," he said, adding, "We have resolved to give thrust upon these issues so that people are able to have the facilities like road, electricity, health and potable water."

Talking about achievements of his government, he said when the BJP-led NDA came to power the country's status on the world forum got a boost. Citing defence preparedness for the country's security, he added India's achievements on the different fronts.

Bureau Report