Alleging Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi of distorting facts about Central schemes, Union Minister for Commerce and Industry Anand Sharma on Wednesday said that the 'rattled' BJP stalwart has 'lost his balance'.
Sharma had come here to clarify and give reaction on various issues raised by Modi during his Swami Vivekanada Yatra ahead of polls later this year.
"I have been forced to come here because of unfortunate campaign of distorting facts that is being led by the Chief Minister as well as share the information about what the UPA government has done for Gujarat. A false and distorted picture is being projected on every issue. Any person holding constitutional posts should not create an atmosphere of passivism or hatred among the society," he said.
Sharma came down heavily on Modi for politicising issues giving incorrect facts. "The situation in Gujarat is unique, where advertisements are being published using government money, to target Central government. This is sorry state of affair for the country, Constitution, Federal Structure and the Republic of India," he added.
He also took a jibe at Modi for his comments on All India Congress Committee (AICC) general secretary Rahul Gandhi, and challenged the chief minister to contest election from Bihar or Uttar Pradesh.
"Comments were made for Rahul Gandhi that he should contest election from other country. Why? People of this country have elected him. These comments were uncalled for, and it shows that Modi is rattled and has lost his balance," Sharma said addressing reporters.
Modi had recently said that Rahul was an "international leader" who can also contest elections in Italy.
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"If Modi has really lost his balance then this is a very serious matter, not only for Gujarat but for the whole country," Sharma said.
"If he thinks that his stature is so big, his ideology is great. Then I would love to give him one advice. I would not suggest him to go out of the country as he would not be able to go to some countries but let him go to Uttar Pradesh or Bihar to contest the elections," Sharma said.
"Rahul Gandhi can contest elections in Gujarat and can win it also. But if he (Modi) dares to contest elections from Bihar then he should think on how Nitish Kumar will react," the minister quipped.
Sharma also slammed Modi for opposing FDI in multi-brand retail now while favouring it during consultations stages. BJP ruled Gujarat and Himachal Pradesh had supported the proposal of FDI in multi brand retail in the country.
"I am surprised that both the BJP ruled states, which are now opposing it, had supported in writing during the consultation process," he said, claiming that Chief Secretary of Gujarat had written to the secretary DIPP, Government of India, supporting the FDI in multi brand.
Sharma also provided a detailed account of the schemes and funds Gujarat has received from the Centre.
The Minister also took a dig at Modi's Swami Vivekanada Yuva Yatra and said that chief minister needs to emulate Vivekanand's depth and grace in order to convey message to the the youth.
"But Modi speaks politcially, it is devoid of Vivekanandas thoughts, its depts and graciousness," he said. Sharma asked Modi to embark on political campaign at party's cost and not use government's money.
He further said that Modi has stooped too low in his campaign to malign the Central government.