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PM files papers
Our Correspondent

Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee performs havan before filing nomination papers for the Lucknow parliamentary seat on Thursday. — PTI photo

Lucknow, April 14
Promising to change the face of India in the next five years, the Prime Minister, Mr Atal Bihari Vajpayee, today urged the voters to give NDA two-third majority in the coming Lok Sabha elections so that the “unfinished” development work could be completed. He said if his party got majority, it would pass Women Reservation Bill.

“There are many unfinished works which are to be completed. ... I am asking for vote to serve you better so that we can complete the unfinished jobs which we have undertaken recently,” Mr Vajpayee said while addressing party workers after filing the nomination paper from Lucknow constituency.

The Prime Minister said in the past five years, the NDA government had changed the face of India. “Roads are being laid in small towns and houses built for the poor. The country has achieved a record foodgrain production in these years,” Mr Vajpayee said adding: “This is not enough. We know much more has to be done for the uplift of the poor and the downtrodden. To complete the unfinished work, give us two-third majority.”

“The government has started schemes for the poor. The food and work are being arranged for the poor”, Mr Vajpayee said. He said, “I invite the youth to join this process of change so that India can grow stronger.”

The Prime Minister said women would have to fulfil the responsibilities towards nation building. “Women Reservation Bill was dropped because we did not have numbers. Give us numbers this time so that we can push through the Bill,” he said.

He also condoled the death of 21 women in a stampede during the free distribution of sarees at a function held to celebrate the birthday of senior BJP leader Lalji Tandon. “It is unfortunate that old women were stampeded to death in that function. I do not want to say much, but precautions should have been taken,” he said.

“In this hour of grief we are with the family members of those who lost their kith and kin in the tragedy.”

Earlier, the Prime Minister took part in a ‘havan’ held at the election office at Ashok Marg. Despite Mr Vajpayee’s desire that the nomination function should be held without fanfare, the area was painted in a saffron hue and BJP workers assembled there in a large number to greet the Prime Minister.

Vajpayee owns property worth over Rs 5.8 m

Lucknow, April 15
Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee owns property worth over Rs 5.8 million.

As per the affidavit filed by him along with his nomination for the Lucknow parliamentary seat today, he has Rs 20,000 as cash-in-hand and Rs 3.82 lakh in a savings account of the State Bank of India. He also has a term deposit of Rs 25.75lakh in the same bank.

He has National Saving Certificates worth Rs 1.2 lakh and 2,400 units of UTI MPI-1991 and 1993 bonds.

In a separate affidavit, he has mentioned his educational qualifications as MA (political science). He has no government dues of any kind against him, but declared an Ambassador car of 1995 model in his name. — UNI