Deputy Prime Minister L.K. today addressed his first political rally in Himachal Pradesh after the elections were announced.During his address, Advani talked about terrorism and the Pakistan factor. ‘‘Our neighbour is continuously abetting terrorism, putting to test the security of our country. But. it cannot challenge us,’’ he said, adding that the BJP-led NDA Government has provided security to the people and ensured unprecedented development which the Congress failed to do during its 50 years of rule in the country.Earlier, at the Bhuntar airport, Advani shrugged off the question of whether Hindutva would be the BJP’s main poll plank, saying the term had been misunderstood by their political rivals, particularly the Congress. He also said Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi would be campaigning in the state later this week.Claiming that the BJP-led NDA Government is formed on a single-point agenda — to provide security and development to citizens — he reiterated the Government’s commitment to the goal. ‘‘In the aftermath of the September 11 attacks, the definition of terrorism has changed. Pakistan is under international pressure to stop cross-border terrorism in J-K and else where,’’ he said. ‘‘But General Pervez Musharraf still needs to mend his ways so that congenial atmosphere can be ensured for talks,’’ he added.Defending Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Prem Kumar Dhumal against the corruption charges levelled by the Congress and Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh in particular, he termed these as baseless and devoid of any truth, and added that Dhumal has managed to give a performance-oriented government to the state in the past five years.He said the BJP contested most elections on negative planks but now he is asking the mandate of the people on a positive note. ‘‘If you recognise the achievements of the Dhumal government, elect him to form the government once again,’’ he said.The BJP was once like Bollywood actor A.K. Hangal, said Advani. Hangal, he said, despite being a good Bollywood actor, could never make his mark as a hero. ‘‘Today, the BJP has emerged a hero,’’ he added.
