BJP making false claims of development, says Sonia

Gandhidham (Gujarat), Dec 4: Congress party President Sonia Gandhi today said that the BJP Government in Gujarat has made tall claims of development in the State that were not true, and added that the Narendra Modi led Government in the State never matched its word with deeds. "The BJP is projecting that there has been all-round development in Gujarat ever since it came to power. But people here are not even getting drinking water," Sonia said while addressing an election rally here.

However, Sonia said that the Congress party's intentions are genuine.

"Our intentions are genuine unlike them," she said.

Appealing to the people to vote for Congress in the upcoming State Assembly elections, Sonia said: "There is a challenge before us. There is a need to get rid of the existing government in Gujarat."

In an indirect reference to the reported benefits given to a chosen few industrialists by the Narendra Modi Government, Sonia said development for BJP means its growth as well as that of four or five others of its ilk.

On the twin threats of communalism and terrorism, she said they were dangerous in whatever form and colour they may be.

"They were dangerous for the country and Congress has always been fighting against such forces," she said, adding that Congress leaders Rajiv Gandhi and Indira Gandhi had sacrificed their lives fighting forces of terrorism.

Over 36 million voters will elect the 182-member Assembly in Gujarat in a two-phased election, as the term of the State's Legislative Assembly is due to expire on December 26.

The first phase of elections in Gujarat will be held on December 11 and second phase on December 16. The counting of votes will take place on December 23.

The BJP managed to win 127 seats, while the Congress party was able to win only 51 seats in the 2002 Gujarat Assembly polls. The Janata Dal (United) and independents won two seats each.

ANI

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