BJP-Sena wearing mask of development: Sonia Gandhi

Says their only aim is to spread hatred

Accusing BJP and Shiv Sena of being hand-in-glove, Congress president Sonia Gandhi on Saturday said their "only aim is to spread hatred" and asked the voters not to be misled by their "mask of development".

She also claimed that "social tension" in BJP-ruled states was impeding their growth.

"Today BJP and Shiv Sena are making you believe they are fighting their battles separately, but in reality they are one and only causing confusion among voters. Don't lower your guard and don't be misled by their mask of development," she said addressing an election rally here.

She said the two saffron parties only spread hatred among the people and make them fight each other.

"You have tried them before. Don't you remember what happened while they were in power? Vasooli (extortion) was rampant and there was an atmosphere of fear everywhere. Their only aim is to spread hatred among people and make people fight each other," she said.

Sonia said promises made by BJP during Lok Sabha campaign were a "farce" and are yet to be fulfilled.

"There is social tension in BJP-ruled states. People are being exploited and this is stalling their development.

They might make new promises everyday, but there can be no progress unless you work very hard for it with grit and determination," she said.

"BJP made a lot of promises during Lok Sabha elections, but has anything happened? Have the prices of essential commodities gone down? Have they been able to generate employment for our youth? They have made nothing but false promises," she said.