Modi challenges Centre to dismiss his government

Surat, Mar 10 (UNI) Ahead of the assembly elections, Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi today challenged the Congress-led UPA Government at the Centre to dismiss his duly-elected government as demanded by the Opposition.

Speaking at the inaugural function of an urban infrastructure development project here, Mr Modi scoffed at the state Congress for demanding the dismissal of his government by invoking Article 356 of the Constitution.

Mr Modi claimed that if his government was dismissed, then the people of Gujarat would return the BJP to power with an overwhelming majority in the elections. The BJP, he claimed, will increase its tally to 156 in the 181-member House.

Meanwhile, Mr Modi lauded Surat for turning into a clean city.

''Surat's determination to become a clean city has inspired other cities in the state to follow suit,'' he remarked.

Mr Modi said Gujarat has been successfully implementing the five-year plans and the plan allocation has increased to Rs 47,000 crore.

The Chief Minister informed that his government is implementing a Rs 15,000 crore ''Vanbandhu Vikas'' package for the welfare of tribals in the state. The state has had a tribal chief minister in the past, but despite that fact, the condition of the tribals had not improved, he alleged.

UNI