My dear sisters and brothers in Rajasthan and the rest of India,
The process of electing the 15th Lok Sabha has begun. You will choose your representatives in the remaining phases of the elections on May 7 and 13.
My first appeal to you is to come out and vote. The turnout in several states has been rather low on account of the hot summer. But in this battle between heat and democracy, you alone can make democracy win. Remember that bad governments are elected by people who don'tvote.
Today the need for a good government at the Centre is more than ever. Our country is facing severe challenges, both internal and external. The aam aadmi'slife has become miserable due to unprecedented price rise. The current economic crisis has resulted in the loss of tens of lakhs of jobs. Terrorism killed more innocent people in more places across India, including in Jaipur, in the last five years than at any time in the past. Rajasthan is a border State, and all of us know the disturbing developments taking place across the border. At this critical juncture, India needs a strong and stable government headed by a determined leader. Only a BJP-led government, with Shri Lal Krishna Advani as Prime Minister, can safeguard the nation'sinterests.
I have known Shri Advani for nearly 60 years. We have worked together closely, along with Shri Atal Behari Vajpayee, ever since he came to Rajasthan from Sindh in 1947 after India'stragic Partition. He made Rajasthan his karmabhoomi for the next ten years as a political activist. His life is a record of selfless service to the nation. He has always shown his care and concern for Rajasthan, in and out of the Parliament, and also as India'sDeputy Prime Minister. Let me say that, in helping Shri Advani become India'snext Prime Minister, you will be helping a leader who is a Rajasthani at heart. I assure you that a BJP-led government at the Centre will fully protect the interests of our State without any consideration for who is ruling in Jaipur.
I therefore appeal to you to support and elect BJP and NDA candidates all over the country, especially in Rajasthan.
