Rejecting BSP's charge that the Centre had discriminated with Uttar Pradesh, Sonia Gandhi today blamed Mayawati government for the lack of development in the state and accused the ruling party of being hand-in-glove with communal and mafia elements.
"The BSP government in order to retain power gives a green signal to the communal elements and is encouraging the criminals and the mafia elements in the state," the Congress president said at an election rally here in support of party candidate Salim Sherwani.
She alleged that the BSP in order to retain power was not even hesitant to have a tie-up with the communal elements.
"Congress will not allow the poison of communalism to spread in the country. The country wants development and a strong government, which only the Congress can give under the leadership of Dr Manmohan Singh," Gandhi said.
Reacting to Chief Minister Mayawati's charge that the UPA government had rejected the development package sought by her, she said, "The Congress does not discriminate when it comes to development and the Centre has never allowed shortage of funds to any state.
"But the UP government has not implemented the central schemes in a right manner, as a result of which the state is lagging behind," Gandhi said.
If voted to power, she promised Congress will give 25 kg of rice and wheat each month at Rs 3 per kg to people living below poverty line.