Congress is maligning Gujarat's image: Modi

Ahmedabad, Sep 26 (UNI) Chief Minister Narendra Modi today charged that Congress was maligning the image of Gujarat all across India.

''Congress has launched a mud-slinging campaign against Gujarat in entire country. Be it North Eastern states of Assam and Tripura or Chennai in down south, Congress is potraying Gujarat as a state of goons. People of Gujarat will not tolerate this and give a befitting reply to Congress in the assembly elections,'' Mr Modi said while addressing a state level convention of BJP workers at Sardar Patel Stadium here.

''Attack me and my party but stop this slanderous campaign against Gujarat,'' he said.

Attacking Congress-led UPA government at the Centre for its claims of fund allotments to Gujarat, the Chief Minister said ''During the floods in Surat last year, the state incurred the loss of Rs 29,000 crore. There was not a single rupee's grant from the Central government. Moreover, the Centre is sitting on Rs 1,600 crore fund meant for earthquake victims in Gujarat.'' Charging Congress for its allegation that Gujarat government did not honour cricketers like Irfan Khan Pathan and Yusuf Khan Pathan for their outstanding performances in Team India's victory in the inaugural Twenty20 Cricket World Cup at Johannesburg on September 24, Mr Modi said ''The Pathan brothers have been honoured with Rs 5 lakh prize each. The allegation about Gujarat government's alleged apathetic attitutde towards its cricketers only shows the perverted mentality of Congress. Two years ago, we honored the same Irfan Pathan,'' he added.

UNI