Business Standard

Modi seeks action against Chidambaram for poll violation

Complains against distribution of free watches to voters

BS Reporter Chennai
BJP’s prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi today asked the Election Commission to take action against Congress leader and Union finance minister P Chidambaram and his party for influencing voters.

At a rally in Ramanathapuram district, Modi showed a wrist watch that had Chidambaram’s picture and Congress party’s symbol. He alleged the watch was given to every house by Chidambaram in this district.

Modi who addressed the temple city of Rameswaram and important tourism destinations, said like Rameswaram many other places in the country could be promoted as good tourism destinations. Tourism would help all the people in society.

It was the fastest growing industry, which can give good returns with low investment and create lakhs of jobs. “BJP is committed to promote tourism in the country,” said Modi.
 
On the fishermen issue, he said the fishermen in the country, especially in Tamil Nadu and Gujarat, were tortured by Sri Lankan Navy and Pakistan Navy respectively and this was because “we don’t have a strong government at the Centre.”  

He also assured that the BJP government, if voted to power, would not only address these issues, but would also help fishermen by providing latest satellite technologies to make their job easier.

Wooing minority voters — Ramanathapuram and neighbouring districts have a sizeable muslim population — Modi said former President APJ Abdul Kalam, who is the son of soil from Ramanathapuram, had special love for Gujarat and his first job was in Gujarat’s capital.

He also said Congress’ 15 point programme for the development of minority was a complete failure, and this was mentioned by the Kundu Committee appointed by the Congress-led UPA to review the programme.

“After reviewing, the Committee found  that there was no change since 2006,” Modi said, adding after spending crores only 56 per cent of the programme could be achieved. In Tamil Nadu, only 24 per cent could be achieved through this programme, while in Gujarat it was 54 per cent.

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First Published: Apr 17 2014 | 8:30 PM IST

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