Gadkari calls for strong global framework against terrorism

London, July 18 (ANI): Expressing concern over the recent serial blasts in Mumbai, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) President Nitin Gadkari has called upon the international community to join hands to strengthen the global framework against terrorism.

Addressing a largely attended Convention of the Overseas Friends of BJP here last night, Gadkari said: "Terrorism is a common concern for the mankind and it does not recognize any boundaries."

He appreciated British Prime Minister David Cameron's bold statement during his visit to India last year that Pakistan promoted export of terror.

"We cannot tolerate in any sense the idea that this country is allowed to look both ways and is able to promote the export of terror, whether to India or Afghanistan or anywhere else in the world," Cameron had said in Bangalore during his India visit.

Gadkari said the BJP wanted good relations with Pakistan so that the two countries could live in peace and fight the problems of poverty and unemployment.

"But we live in a very uncertain neighbourhood. Pakistan was using terror as a state policy. Terror groups like Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) were offshoots of the ISI," he said.

Stating that there were very strong growing inter-linkages amongst terror groups, Gadkari called for close cooperation between India and Britain, saying the two nations need to give the highest priority to defeating global terrorism and to making sure that the two countries cooperate fully with each other in winning this battle.

During his hour-long address, Gadkari outlined the progress made by the BJP-ruled states in the development of infrastructure, tourism and other sectors. He also invited the people of Indian origin to take advantage of the positive investment climate in these states.

Speaking on the occasion, he hailed the achievements of the influential Indian-origin community in the UK in various fields.

Referring to the problems being faced by them in visa and PIO cards related matters, Gadkari assured them that he would take up these issues with the Government of India.

The BJP President dwelt at length the role his party was playing in exposing the rampant corruption back home and promised a government free from terror, poverty and corruption at the Centre after the general elections scheduled for 2014, which he said the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) was sure to win.

Former Rajasthan Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje, who was also present on the occasion, complimented the large people of Indian origin community for the role they were playing in strengthening the British economy and sought their cooperation in the development back home.

She outlined the good work done for the non-resident Indians and the people of Indian origin in Rajasthan during her regime and promised do more after the next elections.

BJP Mahila Morcha President and newly elected Rajya Sabha member from Gujarat Smriti Irani highlighted the schemes for women emancipation launched by all the BJP-ruled states.

She lauded the performance of Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi in the all round development of the state and invited the people of Gujarati origin to visit the state for cultural tourism.

Meanwhile, Convenor of the Overseas Friends of BJP, Vijay Jolly, made an audio-visual presentation on the progress made by India during the Vajpayee-led NDA Government and on the emerging young leadership in the BJP. (ANI)