Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said nationalism is the identity of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party, reported PTI. Speaking to party workers and leaders in New Delhi, Modi asked them to focus on the message and agenda of nationalism, which according to him, is the bedrock of the party's ideology, NDTV reported.

Praising the party's recent tiranga yatra carried out across the country, the prime minister said the initiative was successful in spreading the spirit of national unity, integrity and harmony at a crucial time when certain forces are working against the interest of India. "We are continuously working for development but there are some elements who do not like it. They are trying to divert our and people’s attention. We will have to inform the common man that our sole aim is nation building," he said, according to a party statement.

He asked party leaders to work for all sections of society and reminded them that the National Democratic Alliance government's focus was on the welfare of the poor in the country. "80 per cent of party workers are not from a privileged background... Don't let the misinformation succeed," he said, referring to allegations that the BJP was not working for the weaker section of society. Party president Amit Shah, who was also present at the event, said the party needs more discipline and unity. Shah also noted that there was a lack of new ideas and initiatives in state units of the party.