Gujarat model was praised by Rajiv Gandhi foundation: Modi

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi on Sunday countered Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi's jibe at his Gujarat model saying that the state was declared as the most developing state in the country by Rajiv Gandhi foundation, of which Sonia Gandhi is also a member.

"Few days ago, Shehzade (Rahul) had visited this place. These days he is remembering me day and night. The elections are for the country but he is asking for an account of Gujarat. He should remember the nature of these elections," Modi said while addressing a rally here.

"He (Rahul) is saying that the balloon of the Gujarat model will burst. Didn't he come to burst this balloon in 2002, 2007 and again in 2012? The people of Gujarat had decided on the basis of truth and did not let this balloon burst in all these elections," he added.

He attacked Union Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar saying that despite the fact that he belongs to Maharashtra he was unable to save the farmers in the state.

"He is giving statements about cricket everyday but is not ready to address the situation regarding dying farmers," he said.

He also raised the issue regarding the Local Body Tax (LBT) and said the traders are suffering due to this tax being imposed on them.

"Maharashtra Government has levied this tax. What is LBT? It is nothing but 'Looto Baato Tax'. It is destroying the trading culture of the state," he added.