New Delhi, March 1: Former Indian Army chief General V.K. Singh Saturday joined the BJP before the Lok Sabha polls, calling it the only “nationalist party”.

“I saw only the BJP was an alternate, a nationalist party,” the 63-year-old retired general said when joining the party.

He joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) along with some retired officers from the armed forces.

“We dedicated our life serving on the borders, and currently we want to figure in interest of the state, with nationalist forces. So, we’ve got decided to move with BJP to bring a government that is stable, robust and takes selections in national interest,” said Gen. Singh, who retired in may 2012.

Party President Rajnath Singh used the occasion to attack the Congress led United Progressive Alliance, saying the govt has not paid enough attention to the armed forces.

“India’s defence and security system has been neglected by this dispensation for several years. several holes are visible in the system,” Rajnath Singh said.

“It is highly shameful that our brave soldiers have to die in tragedies like INS Sindhuratna. it’s a matter of grave concern,” he said whereas concerning the accident aboard submarine Sindhuratna that left 2 officers dead and 7 injured.

The BJP president added: “Ex-servicemen Welfare Commission should be constituted for the welfare of armed forces’ veterans.”