Nationalism is core identity of BJP, says Modi

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Tuesday that the "nationalism" was core identity of the BJP and called upon party workers to defeat elements who were trying to divert people's attention from the development-oriented work of the party-led central government.

In his remarks at the day-long workshop of state core committee members here, Modi said that BJP's aim should be to become a social force apart from being a political force.

Making a special mention of the recently-concluded Tiranaga Yatra, he said: "It worked to unite the country against the socially divisive forces."

"Nationalism has been our core identity and our strength. We don't need to prove it. It is already associated with us. But when we talk about poor, Dalits and downtrodden, some elements do not like it and they try to divert people's attention," sources quoted Modi as saying.

Modi also cautioned party leaders, saying that they would need to alert the common people about this.

"Despite challenges, positive works of the government will continue. We are determined to bring massive changes in the life of common man," a BJP statement later quoted him as saying.

Modi also asked party leaders to work tirelessly to fulfill Mahatma Gandhi and Deen Dayal Upadhyay's dream of "Antyodaya", which is the goal and resolve of his government.

BJP President Amit Shah, who earlier inaugurated the day-long workshop at the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) convention centre, asked the party leaders to focus on implementation of the central government's pro-poor initiatives.

According to sources, Shah also spoke on issues of incidents of Dalit atrocities, Gau Rakshaks and Kashmir and asked party workers to counter aggressively the propaganda of opposition parties.

Sources said that Shah informed the party leaders that the BJP ruled government at the centre was the first ever government which did not compromise on issues of nationalism.

Shah will also meet the chief ministers of BJP ruled states on August 27.

These two important meetings will be followed by that of the BJP-RSS coordination committee here on August 29 here.

Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh chief Mohan Bhagwat will also attend the meet.