Amid the brewing discontent among the salaried middle-class post the Budget presentation, the BJP on Saturday claimed the government was committed to their welfare and cited implementation of the Seventh Pay Commission’s recommendations to back its contention.

BJP general secretary Ram Madhav said the NDA government led by Prime minister Narendra Modi had taken into account the welfare of all sections of society and this had benefitted the middle class as well in a ‘very big way’.

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“Budget needs to be looked at in a comprehensive way. Our government has implemented Seventh Pay Commission recommendations which has benefitted the salaried class, and especially the so-called middle class in a very big way so we are committed to the welfare of all sections of society,” the BJP leader said.

About the BJP’s poor showing in the recent by-polls in Rajasthan, where the BJP lost one assembly seat and two Lok Sabha seats to the Congress Party, Madhav said it in no way indicated any change in people’s perception about the BJP.

“We have dismissed Congress from Himachal, we have secured 50 per cent voter support in Gujarat. The mood is not shifting but sometimes in the by-elections, setbacks happen but we will certainly analyse the Rajasthan results,” Madhav said.

Seeking to assuage the party’s alliance partner TDP over the issue of the poor allocation of funds in the Budget to Andhra, Madhav indicated the party would soon hold discussions with the TDP leadership? to sort out matters. “There seems to be some kind of unhappiness, we will talk it out. TDP is an old ally of the BJP. We will tell them we are committed to the interests of Andhra Pradesh.”

The BJP leader said, “We at the BJP are committed not only to address the TDP’s concerns with regard to the Budget proposals, but also, all other issues of concern that it may have. We will convince Mr. Naidu and the TDP not to think of severing their ties with the BJP or the NDA. They are a valuable ally.”

Taking strong exception to National Conference leader and former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s demand for compensation for stone pelters, Madhav said his comments bordered on “irresponsibility”.

“National Conference’s stand in the present circumstances has not been helpful to maintain peace and normalcy in the state. It is bordering on irresponsibility. They should understand that it is much beyond mere politics and involves larger national security interests. Actions of the government there must be supported by one and all,” Madhav asserted.

The BJP leader also defended the security being provided to the Hurriyat leaders saying it was need-based. “Security provided to Hurriyat leaders is minimal and as per the requirements,” Madhav said.