PM invokes Shivaji, stresses NDA govt's nationalist policies

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday asserted that his government adheres to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's principles of nationalism and national security, and possess the strength to give a befitting reply to those who have "evil designs" on India.

Addressing a campaign rally here for Udayanraje Bhosale for the October 21 Satara Lok Sabha by-poll, Modi said as Shivaji Maharaj did, his government too has worked to strengthen the defence forces.

"In the last five years, the Centre and the state government have adhered to the values of Shivaji Maharaj. Nationalism and national security are our top priority. Those having evil designs against the country will be given a befitting reply," he said.

"We have taken decisions for national integration which earlier governments had no guts to take," he said.

Hitting out at the Congress-NCP, Modi said the two parties opposed decisions taken in the interest of national security and national integration.

The opposition's stand has