India does not need 'man eater' Modi as PM: Steel Minister Verma

India needs a prime minister and not a "man-eater", said Union Steel Minister Beni Prasad Verma referring to BJP prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi, without naming him.

Addressing a convention of Dalit, backward and minority communities here, he said: "Hamen bhavi pradhan mantri ki zaroorat hai, aadamkhor ki nahi (We need a future prime minister, not a man-eater)."

Verma had earlier compared Modi to German dictator Adolf Hitler, when making a reference to the 2002 Godhra riots, which resulted in a kind of pogrom against Muslims following the deaths over 50 Hindus in the burning of the Sabarmati Express train.

Calling for change in society and government in a united manner, Verma said Dalits and minorities have enough numbers to bring a party of their choice to power.

He also used the occasion to attack the ruling Samajwadi Party in Uttar Pradesh for failing to prevent the communal riots in Muzaffarnagar and for holding the annual Saifai Mahotsava in Mulayam Singh's home town recently.