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'Power-hungry politicians are sowing the poison of hatred'
Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday accused the Congress-led government at the Centre of supporting politicians who sow seeds of hatred to divide the nation.
Modi was speaking at the end of his day-long fast as part of his 'Sadbhavna Mission' at Songadh in Tapi district.
"Certain power-hungry politicians and people with vested interests are sowing the poison of hatred, bickering, casteism and inter-state rivalry to divide the nation," Modi said while expressing concern over the issue.
"These elements have received the support of previous and present Congress-led governments at the Centre. The poison is administered to tribal people too," the chief minister said.
'Gujarat has set up the rule of peace and harmony'
Modi further criticised the Union government on the issue of price rise and said, "While the Centre could not solve just one problem of inflation, Gujarat has set up the rule of peace and harmony, opened medical and engineering colleges for the future generation and provided them with jobs too."
He reiterated the resolve of his government that Gujarat's 'development mantra' would serve as the strength for the country's development through the 'Sadbhavna Mission'.
The 'mantra' for development has been pursued vigorously since the last ten years and would shun all other vested interests and set its own benchmark, he added.
Meanwhile, Modi announced a development package of Rs 200 crore for Tapi district on the occasion, which included an irrigation canal from Ukai dam to Poorna River, 32 lift irrigation projects, roads through the forest areas and conversion of Ukai reservoir into a tourist spot.
Modi accused of neglecting his own people
Over 6,000 people, including 150 Muslim youths from the talukas of Vyara, Nizar, Uchchhal Valod and Songadh, voluntarily observed the fast along with the chief minister.
The Congress party, led by Union Minister of State for Road Transport and Highways Tushar Choudhary, and eight legislators of south Gujarat region held a counter-fast against Modi.
Choudhary accused the Modi government of negligence that led to the death of 50 persons due to leptospirosis a couple of months ago in Tapi district.
He said that the CM was ready to provide relief to earthquake-affected people in Nepal, but had not yet announced a compensation for the families of those 50 persons who died in Tapi district due to leptospirosis.