For BJP, nationalism means elimination of poverty: Venkaiah

Vijayawada/New Delhi: Union Minister M Venkaiah Naidu on Saturday said the BJP's nationalism does not restrict to certain faiths but lies in eliminating poverty and providing security to women, and accused Congress of supporting groups which infuse "anti-national" feelings among varsity students.

Speaking at a seminar on 'Insult to martyrs in Vijayawada, Naidu said, "Nationalism for the BJP is elimination of poverty and providing security to women. Nationalism lies in allocating more funds for uplift of the poor (as done by NDA Government)".

The Modi Government is committed to all-round growth of the nation and not just a few sections of society, he said.

He alleged, "Congress supports organisations which infuse anti-national feelings among students in universities".

"Nationalism does not mean Hindu nationalism, Muslim nationalism or Sikh nationalism. Nationalism is the need of the hour," Naidu tweeted.

"Nationalism is nothing but concern for entire Nation. Nation means people - Hindu, Muslim, Christian, Sikh, Forward, Backward and all of us," he said in another tweet.

The BJP leader also criticised Left parties for "expressing solidarity" with elements who are challenging the unity and integrity of the nation.

These (Communist) parties are doing so because they have lost the people's support and feel sidelined in national politics, Naidu said.

BJP never insists on people saying 'Bharat Mata Ki Jai' but those who refuse to chant this slogan are "anti-national", the Union Minister maintained.

The Government set up Mudra Bank to provide loans to the poor for self-employment without any collateral security, Naidu said, adding "this is our nationalism."

He said the BJP-led ruling coalition at the Centre is committed to provide 5 crore LPG connections to poor women across the country and also to build 2 crore houses.

All these measures reveal the nationalistic character of NDA in general and BJP in particular, Naidu said.