BJP practicing divisive politics, says Rahul Gandhi

Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi on Saturday accused the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of practicing divisive politics, while claiming that the Congress party believed in uniting people and moving forward together.

"People in our opposition want to divide people, they are practicing politics of dividing people. They think that practicing divisive politics will benefit them. This kind of thing is hurting the nation. We want to unite people, we believe in moving forward together," Rahul said while addressing an election rally here ahead of the first phase of elections in Jharkhand.

The Congress vice-president also took on the 'acche din' claims of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

"You gave full support to BJP during Lok Sabha elections. The Prime Minister had promised 'acche din' after he came to power. It's been around five to six months now, has the quality of your life improved in any way?" he asked.

Accusing the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led NDA government of being pro-industrialist, the Gandhi scion said, "UPA government worked for the poor, what has the Prime Minister done? Fly in planes with industrialists to Australia and grant them big loans from the State Bank. The water is yours, the land is yours, the jungles are yours but those who benefit from it are industrialists."

The Congress vice-president was speaking at the first of the two election rallies that he is scheduled to address today in Jharkhand. The other rally will be held in the Panki region.

The first phase of the five-phased polling in the state will be held on Tuesday for the 81-member Jharkhand Assembly. The counting of votes will take place on December 23.