National security will be NDA's priority: Advani

Mumbai, Apr 6 (ANI): Senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader L K Advani has promised that his government would give top priority to national security, if voted to power.

Addressing a joint rally with Shiv Sena executive president Uddhav Thackeray at Shivaji Park in Central Mumbai last night, Advani said that identity cards would be mandatory for all citizens of the country in view of the continuous illegal immigration from Bangladesh.

Advani further said that the failure of the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) to prevent the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks would cost the alliance dearly.

Taking example of the investigations conducted by the US government following the 9/11 attacks and by the NDA-government after the Kargil intrusion, Advani demanded a judicial inquiry into the Mumbai attacks and emphasised the need to fix responsibility for it.

"We should have a proper inquiry into the attacks and those responsible for lapses should be brought to book... Even in the US the homeland security department was set up after recommendations made by the inquiry committee," he said.

Highlighting the salient points of the BJP election manifesto, Advani said, "The agenda for governance will be finalised by the BJP in consultation with its allies for good and sensitive governance."

The BJP leader also assured that if elected to power, Mumbai would get its due in terms of development.

Expressing confidence on succeeding in the coming elections, Advani said, "Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Chhatisgarh and also some states from the South will spring a happy surprise in the elections. Our opponents are lagging behind and poll results will be very good for the NDA." (ANI)