Modi claimed Gujarat Congress leaders were making remarks which were at variance with the Independence Day address made by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.
While the Prime Minister spoke about the need to attract foreign investments and develop infrastructure, Congress leaders say Gujarat does not need roads, industries or educational institutions, he said at a gathering here.
"The Prime Minister, in his address, said there is a need to attract FDI and also focus on industrialisation for employment generation in the country. He spoke about the need to strengthen infrastructure, but state Congress leaders say just the opposite.
"The state Congress leaders were seen on TV saying they don't need roads, industries, educational institutions, hospitals, universities, and that just half a chapati would suffice for them," Modi said, implying the Congress leaders were criticising the BJP government's policies aimed at attracting FDI and setting up industries.
As the crowd burst into laughter, Modi said "Congress aims to take you back to the 18th century. Would you like to go to the 18th century rule?"
Assembly election is due in December in Gujarat.
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Modi was speaking at the inaugural function of a river front development project along the banks of Sabarmati.
Attacking the UPA government, he said it was the Centre's responsibility to provide affordable living to people in this era of rising prices.
Modi said, "They (the UPA govt) had claimed to contain price rise within 100 days of coming to power, but have been unable to do so. The poor of the country are asking the Centre - What happened to your promise of checking price rise within 100 days?"