Prime Minister Manmohan Singh [Images] on Sunday called upon the people to allow the "experienced Congress" to rule the country for five more years to finish all unfinished projects aimed at bringing about overall development and lead the country at this difficult juncture.

Addressing an election rally, Dr Singh said, "India is located in a disturbed corner of the world. Most countries in the world are passing through a difficult phase. Economic recession has engulfed the world and unemployment is on the rise.

Terrorism [Images] and extremism have posed a grave threat. Only Congress is capable of providing a capable government at this difficult juncture on the strength of its long experience in power."

"The Congress 'hand' is with the common man. We are committed to build a new developed India for which we have undertaken many projects. The task has remained unfinished. We want more time. Congress needs at least five more years," said.

Greeting the people of Assam, his adopted home state, on the occasion of 'Rongali Bihu' (spring festival) and Assamese New Year he said," Today, I haven't come here as a prime minister but a 'sipahi' (worker) of Congress. The UPA government at the Centre and the Congress government in Assam have strived for all-round development of the state. On the strength of it, I have come to ask for vote. Only Congress can lead India, Northeast and Assam in the 21st century."

Making potshots at rival political parties, Dr Singh said, "Some political parties are out to divide the people of the country for votes. India is a great country characterized by widespread diversity. We have to take all along with us in the path of development. Divisive attitude will lead the country to nowhere."

He hit out at BJP for failing to tackle terror. "Just recalled what the UPA government did to tackle Mumbai [Images] attack and what they did when the opposition's government led by the BJP was in power. There is gulf of difference between what BJP preaches and what it does. Terror and extremists have no place in the country and we are firmly committed to root it out," he said.