Thaindian News

New Delhi, April 4 (IANS) Senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader L.K. Advani Monday contended the countrywide jubilation following India’s victory in the cricket World Cup was a reflection of patriotic spirit of the people and the real issue was the country, not only cricket.

“I wish it is realised that the core issue is not cricket, it is the country. It is India, it is Bharat. Millions who do not understand anything about cricket have been enthusiastic partakers in these victory celebrations, only because for them it has actually been a Bharat Mata ki Jai (glory to motherland),” Advani said in the latest post on his blog.

The BJP leader, who himself witnessed the match in Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium Saturday, said that the newspaper headlines and songs heard the day after World Cup victory reflected sense of pride of people in the country’s achievement.

He said when India’s skipper M.S. Dhoni hit a triumphant six to defeat Sri Lanka in the suspenseful, cliff-hanger match and won the World Cup for the country, it became an unforgettable moment for tens of thousands present at the stadium.

“In fact, I can think of numerous occasions which have made me and Indians generally quite happy. But I cannot think of any other event that has made the entire Indian population, urban as well as rural, irrespective of caste, community, language or region unitedly feel as ecstatic and proud as they felt the moment they heard about the result of the World Cup Final,” Advani said.

He said though the presentation ceremony ended by midnight, the vicinity of the stadium had crowds milling till the early hours of the morning.

“At the stadium itself, it was a sight to be seen to be believed. Thousands of flags were being waved, songs like Vande Mataram, Sare Jahan Se Achha were being chanted, and Jai Jai Kars (adulation) of individual players were being shouted. Emotions and feelings were virtually exploding,” he said.

The BJP leader said when Sachin Tendulkar and other Indian players were going round the stadium, he along with union minister Farooq Abdullah, party leader Shahnawaz Hussain and his daughter Pratibha stood up holding national flag to greet the Indian team.

Advani said he personally complimented President Pratibha Patil and Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa for the wonderful match that had been played by the two teams.