Overseas Friends of
the BJP (USA) ........... Voice: (718) 271-0453
54-15, 108th St. ............................
Fax: (718) 271-1906
Corona, NY 11368............................
WWW:http://www.ofbjp.org
BJP's Website: http://www.bjp.org
Press Release
July 26, 2000
National Executive Committee
(NEC) of OFBJP met in Washington D.C. on July 22, 23 2000. The meeting
was presided over by OFBJP National President Dr. Dinesh Agrawal. Nine
chapters in USA and France were represented. About 30 members of the Executive
and special invitees participated in the discussion. This was the first
NEC meeting in the new millennium. The meeting's venue and time were significant
due to the forthcoming visit of Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee to
in September.
The meeting commenced
with the recitation of Vandemataram and opening remarks were made by the
national president, Dr. Dinesh Agrawal who welcomed the delegates and thanked
Washington chapter for hosting the event. He expressed satisfaction over
OFBJP's performance and impact since its inception in 1991, and hoped that
after the first meeting of the millennium the workers will strive with
dedication to achieve the goals of the organization. Prime objective of
the organization, he said, was to counter false and misleading propaganda
against BJP and India and to project an honest and positive image of BJP
and India to the Western world. India, BJP and Hindu organizations have
been the target of vicious propaganda by anti-India forces. However, things
have undergone significant changes in recent past. India is looked upon
with respect and awe. A new India is emerging under the leadership of Mr.
Atal Bihari Vajpayee. Dr. Agrawal particularly remembered last year's Executive
meet, which met under the shadow of India's nuclear tests and Kargil war.
India achieved double victory then - in the battlefield and on diplomatic
front. An unprecedented solidarity was demonstrated by the international
community in support of India's position in Kargil conflict. This, he said,
has enhanced India's image immensely all over the world. Return of the
BJP led coalition with increased majority was the triumph of Indian democracy.
He expressed his confidence that this Government led by Mr. Atal Bihari
Vajpayee would last to its full term and its programs and policies would
transform India forever, and in the new century a new proud, confident,
strong and self- sufficient India will emerge.
Various chapter coordinators
and special program in-charge presented brief reports of the various activities
carried out in the past year. The highlight of the reporting session was
an impressive presentation of OFBJP net group's Internet activities by
Rajiv Verma, secretary and net-coordinator from Houston. He gave a brief
history of the net activity, its phenomenal growth, rapid expansion and
very successful implementation of various innovative programs taken up
by OFBJP in the cyberspace. Narayan Kataria representing Indian American
Intellectual Forum, a group recognized by OFBJP, gave an account of its
programs that how this forum since its inception a year ago has been successfully
countering the anti-India and anti-Hindu propaganda in USA.
On the second and final
day of the meeting, the committee discussed various organizational issues
and future activities including Prime Minister Vajpayee's public reception
programs in which OFBJP is expected to play the leading role. Besides making
various decisions to expand and strengthen the organization, the Executive
passed following resolutions:
Resolution on Fiji:
OFBJP expresses its
outrage and condemnation of the present political crisis in Fiji precipitated
by racist elements of Fiji. The duly and democratically elected government
headed by Mr. Mahendra Chaudhary was overthrown at gun point by racist
rebels led by a frustrated and failed businessman. The crisis in Fiji disrupted
peace, stability, and democratic process, and has encouraged arson, looting
and cleansing of ethnic Indians from the country. Democratic governments
throughout the world have a responsibility in restoring the democratically
elected government in Fiji. Overseas Friends of BJP condemns the prevailing
situation in Fiji and demands restoration of democracy there. We urge UNO
and all democratic countries to help in resolving the Fiji crisis and if
necessary impose economic and other sanctions until the democratically
elected government is restored.
Resolution on Jammu and
Kashmir:
The recently adopted
autonomy resolution by Jammu and Kashmir assembly is a retrograde step.
It will encourage secessionist tendencies in other parts of the country.
Such fissiparous tendencies should be weeded out and nipped in the bud.
This resolution is against the unity and integrity of India. Overseas Friends
of BJP strongly condemns this step of the State assembly and fully endorses
the rejection of this resolution by the Government of India. We also urge
the GOI to repeal the Article 370 to complete the process of total integration
of J & K with India.
Resolution on Dual Citizenship:
Overseas Friends of
BJP congratulates the GOI for taking several initiatives in the last two
years which have gone a long way to redress problems faced by NRIs and
PIOs. However, lot more steps are required to address the pending
problems and issues. NRIs and PIOs can contribute more in the economic
development and technical progress of a resurgent India in the new millennium.
We urge government of India to take timely initiatives in (a) granting
dual citizenship, (b) voting rights for NRIs, and (c) open constituency
for NRI representation.
