Congress did nothing for tribals, says Modi in Rajasthan rally

Continuing his tirade against ruling party at the centre, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi on Sunday accused the Congress of not even acknowledging the existence of the tribal population in the country.

Addressing a rally in Rajasthan's Banswara district, the Gujarat chief minister said: "The tribal population exists in this country since the time of Ramchandraji. It existed during the Independence struggle. Everyone but the Congress is aware of the existence of the tribes for centuries."

Reminding people of the steep rise in prices of basic commodities, Modi said that Congress leaders make big promises and they are masters in this.

"People must reply to Congress by not voting for them in the coming assembly election," he added.

Earlier, Modi has criticised the Ashok Gehlot-led Rajasthan Government over poor roads, and lack of drinking water in the state.

Addressing a rally in Rajasthan's Alwar District, the Gujarat chief minister accused the Congress Government of harassing tribals by not providing them with clean drinking water.

"Rajasthan's Congress Government is number one when it comes to troubling tribals. They are also number one when it comes to supplying polluted drinking water," Modi said.

"If there is any state topping list in atrocities of tribal communities, it is this Congress-run Rajasthan Government. God save the country from Ashok Gehlot's ways of governance," he added.

He also attacked the state government for its poor performance on social indicators, including female foeticide and communal riots.

Targetting the Congress-led UPA Government at the Centre, Modi said all politicians debating on development are now forced to give the example of Gujarat.

"Wherever the election, the discussion always cites the Gujarat example," he said.

Taking a jibe at Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi, Modi said India is a world champion in corruption because of the Congress Party.

"Shezaade' (prince - referring to Rahul Gandhi) was saying that we are a world champion in corruption. He should look at the number of scams exposed in the past years," said Modi.

Rajasthan, which is currently governed by a Congress Government, votes for a new assembly on December 1. The counting of votes will take place on December 8.