Congress chief Sonia Gandhi on Friday took on Narendra Modi's development plank, charging that the Gujarat government "misused" Central funds to benefit some business people leaving the common man in the lurch.
Addressing her first campaign rally for the second phase of elections, she said UPA government provided 50 per cent more funds to Gujarat than the BJP-led NDA government. "To benefit some special people and businessmen, all these schemes were used for them. Common man is not getting any benefit.
"Government every year gives 3,128 MW of electricity to Gujarat. It is selling 800 MW to earn profits. This is injustice to people who are waiting for electricity connections," Gandhi said.
She said Congress is not fighting for just power in Gujarat but for development of the state.
Gandhi also spoke about a series of initiatives taken by the UPA government like RTI and RTE. Modi has been raising the issue of Sir Creek in each public meeting that he has been addressing in the state in the last two days.
"They are trying to incite the people by taking up the issue of borders of our country, national unity and intergrity...Which is also against our party...Whose leaders like Indira Gandhiji and Rajiv Gandhiji, for national unity and integrity had laid down their lives," Sonia said.
"We at any cost...At any cost will not allow anyone to play with the unity of nation," she asserted. "As far as I know, you understand everything and can clearly differentiate between truth and lies...And you will not fall prey into BJP's net," she said.
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"In many schemes news of corruptions are pouring in...As per CAG report it has been proved despite all this they do not take action against the accused...Doshiyo ko bachaate hai aur nirdoshon ko phasaate hai (they try to shield the accused and frame innocent people)," Gandhi charged.
"Our fight is not only for gaining power...It's a fight to protect the traditions of Gujarat, development, and bring happiness into everyone's life here...Government should look at all segments of society uniformly," she said.