BJP accuses Congress, Hardik Patel of caste-based politics

Minister of State in PMO Jitendra Singh on Wednesday cornered the Congress as well as its prospective ally and Patidar leader, Hardik Patel, accusing both of playing caste-based politics in the poll-bound Gujarat.

"Congress is trying to create division in the name of caste but I am sure the party would not succeed in dividing Gujarat on caste lines with a handful of leaders who are not recognised by their own community," Singh said in a twin attack on the Congress and the Patidar leader.

Speaking to ANI about Patel's ultimatum to the Congress for clearing its stand on Patidar reservation, the Minister said the Congress cannot compromise its policies by any means, as far as OBCs and reservation are concerned.

Not sparing Patel from the castigation either, Singh said that the Patidars organisation committee in a recent meeting have questioned the credentials of Patel and accused him of pursuing his personal agenda and not the community's agenda.

"Congress has no concrete issues to raise against BJP, so they are trying to rake up caste, which is a very dangerous phenomenon," Singh added.

He further stated that the Gujarat elections are turning out to be a one-sided contest and expressed confidence in the people of Gujarat for voting in BJP's favour.

"People of Gujarat are forward looking and progressive, they will never be influenced by a dynastic party," Singh said, asserting that the youth would not support a "feudal party acting under the garb of democracy".

Responding to the continued criticism by Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi and his "Vikas paagal ho gaya hai" (Development has gone berserk) remark, Singh averred that the Gandhi's "childish manner" and "mockery of development" has not gone down well with the public.

"Devoid of any issues, they are groping in the dark, and one loser is hanging onto another loser whether it's Rahul-Hardik or Hardik-Rahul," Singh quipped.

Singh also responded to Gandhi's repeated criticism of Goods and Services Tax (GST).

"GST and its modifications that are made of late, have been endorsed by all Chief Ministers of all parties, including his own party Chief Ministers, so I don't know of whom he is talking," Singh said, and added, "I don't think he has yet learnt economics enough to comment on the intricacies of the country's economic dynamics."

He further accused the Gandhi scion of trying to use the leader of Independent India, Sardar Patel's name to fuel his propaganda.

"The very fact that Rahul Gandhi is now forced to sing the hymns of Sardar Patel, in spite of the fact that for the last 70 years it is this family and this party which actually is responsible for having demolished the legacy of Sardar sahab, reflects that Congress is trying to touch a sentimental chord with the people of Gujarat," Singh said.

Gujarat is set to go to polls on December 9 in the first phase and on December 14 for the second one.