Vajpayee regrets not coming to BJP meet

Bhopal, Sep 21 (UNI) Former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, who could not take part in the three-day BJP national executive that got underway here today due to health reasons, has expressed his feelings in the form of a poem as under: Ahuti baki, Yagya adhura (The ceremony is not over with the oblations left over) Apne ke vighno ne ghera (The problems of ours have surrounded me) Antim jay ka vajra banane (To fashion the weapon for the ultimate victory) Nav dadhichi haddiyan galayen (Melt the bones of sage Dadhichi) Aur phir se 'diya' jalaen.

(And again light the lamp) Mr Vajpayee had also written a letter, which was read out by BJP President Rajnath Singh after the meeting started.

In his letter, Mr Vajpayee regretted for not being able to take part in the meeting. He said his will power gave way in view of advise by doctors.

Pointing out that the national executive meeting was taking place during transitional period, he said an atmosphere of political instability and uncertainty was prevailing in the Centre.

Expressing concerns over security issues, the senior BJP leader said the ruling party was bent on hurting sentiments of people.

Under such circumstances, the responsibility of the party had increased.

Mr Vajpayee stated that the country was looking upon them. As people had a lot of expectations from the party, it had to come up to those expectations and not turn away from responsibility towards the nation.

He hoped that future strategy would be chalked out after mutual discussion so that challenges could be confronted.

Mr Vajpayee thanked those who enquired about him while he was in hospital and expressed hope that he would recover and return among them soon.

The former Prime Minister thanked Mr Singh for allowing him to remain absent from the meeting.

UNI