Vajpayee sends a signal to Pak from Bihar village

In a speech replete with the imagery of reducing distances, Vajpayee said: ‘‘We want to reduce the distance between India and Pakistan also.’’ He went on, ‘‘We have said that we’ll talk if they drop the sword. We cannot change our neighbour. We can only co-exist based on principles of justice and friendship. We want to talk. They too want to talk.’’

Saying greater connectivity would enable the people to come closer and contribute towards creating a homogeneous society, Vajpayee pointed out the Golden Quadrilateral projects and other road schemes will reduce not only distances but also economic disparities. ‘‘But there are people who want to increase the distance. Yeh theek baat nahin hain (this is not the right thing),’’ he said, taking a mild dig at communal forces.

The PM said India is yet to witness progress proportionate to its potential and resources. Saying he wants to see India reach the list of developed nations soon, Vajpayee remarked: ‘‘For this, we must reduce political distance in matters of development.’’ ‘‘The face of the world has changed. The face of India and that of Bihar must change now’’.

In a bid to refute allegations that his Government discriminated against Bihar, the PM said he shows more ‘‘prem bhav’’ to states which are ruled by Opposition parties. ‘‘All my decisions are driven by principles of barabari and nyay (equality and justice).’’ However, he stopped short of declaring a special package for Bihar — a long-standing demand of the state government and various political parties.

‘‘The Centre has given some special projects to Bihar and will give some more in the future,’’ he said. Vajpayee also said Mythili language will soon be included in the 8th Schedule of the Constitution. Apart from several Cabinet ministers, Bihar Chief Minister Rabri Devi was also present.