Rahul Gandhi seeks Sikhs' support in last phase of elections

Moga (Punjab) May 9 (ANI): Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Saturday sought Sikhs' support to the Congress party in the fifth phase of parliamentary elections and thanked the Sikh community for giving the country a leader like Dr. Manmohan Singh as its prime minister.

Addressing an election rally ahead of the last of the five-phased parliamentary elections, at Moga in Punjab, Rahul said: "Sikhs form a two percent population in the country and you should be proud for giving a Sikh prime minister to the country. People of such stature are rarely found. I know him for the past five years and he gives his heart and love towards the work he performs. He doesn't criticise anybody which doesn't mean he is a weak person."

Rahul blamed rival Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) for creating an inharmonious atmosphere in different states of the country.

He criticised BJP leadership for turning a blind eye to the attacks on Christians, minorities and women by its allied organisations in different States.

"They (BJP) get rid of citizens, belonging to Uttar Pradesh, from the state of Maharashtra and also beat them. In Mangalore, they beat women. Inunjab, they harass and jail Congress workers and burn Christians in Orissa."

The election campaigning ahead of the last phase of the elections has intensified, as each party wishes to garner maximum seats in the closely fought ongoing elections.lections for the fifth round are due to be held on May 13.

The main contest is between the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance and the main opposition BJP-led National Democratic Alliance.

The results of the overall elections will be declared on May 16. (ANI)