New Delhi, March 1 (IANS): Former Indian Army chief General V.K. Singh Saturday joined the BJP ahead of 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 after 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 now we want to work in interest of the nation, with nationalist forces. So, we have decided to move with BJP to bring a government which is stable, strong and takes decisions 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 government has not paid enough attention to the armed forces.

"India's defence and security system has been neglected by the current dispensation for many years. Many 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 is a matter of grave concern," he said while referring to the accident onboard submarine Sindhuratna that left two officers dead and seven injured.

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

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