STATEMENT ON GUJARAT ELECTIONS BY PRIME MINISTER SHRI ATAL BIHARI VAJPAYEE

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Following is the text of the statement on Gujarat Elections by the Prime Minister Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee here today:

"The Government of Gujarat has done the right thing by acting as per the directive of the Election Commission to prohibit religious processions in the State ahead of the Assembly elections on December 12. I appeal to all organizations to honour this directive issued by a Constitutional authority and help the State administration in discharging its duty.

With elections less than a month away, it is natural for political and social organizations to want to go among the people and conduct their campaign. It is their democratic right. However, it is also the democratic duty of one and all to exercise it in a lawful way. Even protest has to be expressed in a peaceful manner without inflaming passions. It is only through scrupulous obedience of the law that we can enhance the prestige and efficacy of our democracy.

Anyway, the people of Gujarat will give their verdict soon and there is no need for making allegations and counter-allegations. I urge all political parties and organisations to focus their election campaign on issues of development and governance, and not on matters that vitiate the atmosphere. I do hope that, after the State Government’s decision, all concerned would work towards peaceful conclusion of the polls."