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BJP's prime ministerial nominee Narendra Modi today mocked Maharashtra Chief Minister for challenging him to a debate, saying Prithviraj Chavan should instead focus on why farmers were going to Gujarat to sell their produce.
He was addressing a poll rally in Dhule in north Maharashtra. Dhule and 18 other constituencies in Maharashtra go to polls on April 24 in the third and last stage of LS polls in the state.
"Instead of challenging me, Maharashtra's CM should rather tell people why do farmers need to go to Gujarat to sell their produce. I have opened bank accounts for them so that they can get their money safely in their accounts," Modi said.
"I openly challenge Modi to have a debate on the development of Maharashtra versus development of Gujarat. Gujarat has done well and we compliment the people of Gujarat. To say that one man created the change is not correct," Chavan had said.
There has been a talk of a railway line in the region for years, Modi said, adding if the present government could not give them a railway line, what has the government done?
"There has been a talk of setting a railway line here. This question arises wherever I go. I wonder what did Congress do for so many years? Mumbai-Delhi corridor will help the people of Gujarat and also help the people of this region," he said.
Modi reiterated that NCP chief Sharad Pawar took the Rajya Sabha route as he had known the direction in which the wind was blowing.
"Sharad Pawar understands the politics of Maharashtra better than anyone else. That is why six months back he refused to fight the elections as he didn't want to face defeat in this age. His daughter has a long life ahead. Doesn't matter if she loses now," Modi said.
Modi alleged Congress leaders have lost their confidence and their body language has changed. Their fate has been sealed, he claimed and asked voters to shun a government that is not strong.
Invoking his humble background to appeal for votes, Modi said he understands the plight of the poor very well. "I have been a follower of Ambedkar myself because I sustained a living by selling tea. My mother used to wash utensils in other people's homes. No one will understand your problems better than me," Modi said.
