'Impatient' Modi doing 'drama' on Independence Day: Sharad Yadav

Janata Dal (United) president Sharad Yadav on Thursday criticized Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi for politicizing Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh's Independence Day speech, saying this reflects the BJP leader's impatience to occupy the country's prestigious post.

"In one way, this is a joke. What am I supposed to say on this? It shows that we cannot leave politics even on the occasion of Independence Day. Today is a day to celebrate the freedom movement and the history of the country. On such a day, it is unfortunate if you use the opportunity to stage a gimmick," Yadav said.

"Politics goes on, on a daily basis. However, today everyone should leave politics aside. Some people have become so impatient that they are continuing the drama to become the Prime Minister," he added.

The Janata Dal (United) chief, however said that the Prime Minister's Independence Day address at the Red Fort did not reflect the key issues that are confronting the country.

Earlier today, speaking at Bhuj, Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi described Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh's speech on the occasion of India's 67th Independence Day as uninspiring, and charged the latter with taking a soft stand against Pakistan despite the recent cease-fire violations along the Line of Control (LoC).

Additionally, Modi said the security of India is at risk as the number of international attacks on it is on the increase and continually blamed the ruling Government for its foreign policies by specifically making references to China, Pakistan and Italy.

Modi also used his Independence Day address to touch upon the alleged Robert Vadra land scam in Haryana.

Modi commented on the Congress Party constantly attacking his governance, and confidently referred to his popularity across the country.

"Dear Prime Minister, your brigade is busy abusing Modi on their computers that they don't have time to sing the national anthem or national song. For this computer brigade, their world revolves around Modi," Modi said.

"I challenge the Prime Minister to an open debate on all key issues," Modi added.

Hopeful of his victory, he took on the PM and said, "The media says this is the PM's last Independence Day speech and he says 'We have a long distance to cover.