Cong didn't take legitimate steps to combat terrorism: Gadkari

New Delhi [India], Sept 25 (ANI): Union Minister Nitin Gadkari on Monday said that the previous government of United Progressive alliance (UPA) - led by the Congress party never took legitimate steps to combat menace of terrorism.

While speaking at the National Executive meeting, Gadkari reiterated Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) stance on terrorism and lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi for discussing the issue of terrorism on international level.

"Terrorism has been a big problem in our country. I won't complain about the previous government but they never took the steps that they needed to. We have also investigated against people who want to hinder democracy with the help of terrorism. In Kashmir, we are trying to work towards development. We also showed that we have zero tolerance towards terrorism. Our army and the police have managed to lessen the terrorist activities." he said.

He also spoke about Prime Minister Modi's role in exposing Pakistan on international forums.

"It has been a success on the part of our PM that he has brought the agenda of terrorism in BRICS and the way the PM has managed to expose Pakistan is a big success for the country," Gadkari said.

Gadkari also took the occasion to reaffirm the Centre's stance on maintaining cordial relations with the neighbouring countries.

He also cited the example of Dorklam and Pakistan to highlight Prime Minister Modi's efforts.

"Lately, an important issue which came up, was that of Dorklam. There was a sense of tension between India and China. I think it is a success on the part of our PM to solve the situation through his diplomacy and maintain good relations with our neighbours," he said.

He added, "We want friendship with Pakistan and that is why the PM let go of the protocol and met Nawaz Sharif. We intended to be friends.", adding that Pakistan must stop the cross-border firing in order to ensure this happens.

Gadkari further enumerated several welfare initiatives of flagged by his government.

He also spoke about Prime Minister's New-India Policy and the ideas which are in process to ensure the success of the programme by 2022. (ANI)