New Delhi, May 3 (IANS): Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said on Thursday that nationalism is very much an issue in the Lok Sabha elections and it has been partys core ideology since the beginning.

Jaitley said at a press conference at the party headquarters here that nationalism is an issue for the party in every election and sometimes it acquires more than normal relevance in the minds of people.

"We don't want to make every issue into an election issue. Nationalism has been an important issue, it has been part of our core ideology ever since Bharatiya Jan Sangh (BJS) was formed," he said.

"In every election, it is an issue for us. At times, in popular mind it acquires relevance, more than normal. That is what has happened. We continue to stand by our theme of nationalism and all allied issues. We also continue to stand by our themes of Prime Minister's leadership and performance of the government," he added.

He attacked the Congress over its manifesto talking about removal of sedition law and dilution of AFSPA (Armed Forces Special Powers Act), and said the contrast in approach to national issues and security concerns is visible.

"It is election issue to that extent. Approach to security is a national issue. It is a matter of pride that nationalism is an electoral issue in the country. What is the allegation in this? It's a matter of shame that they feel that nationalism should not be an issue," he said.

The Congress party has accused the Bharatiya Janat Party (BJP) of seeking to divert the narrative in elections from issues concerning people.