'He is in panic mode': Congress responds to PM Modi's attack

Responding to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's allegations against the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA) Government of stalling the development in Gujarat in 2012, the Congress on Sunday retaliated, saying he was in "panic mode" ahead of the elections in Gujarat.

"I think the prime minister is in panic mode. He is clearly confused; on one hand, he said the Congress interfered in his efforts to uplift Gujarat, and on the other hand, he presents the Gujarat Model. He should decide whether Gujarat is developed or not," Congress leader Sushmita Dev told ANI.

She also alleged that Prime Minister Modi's 'Gujarat Model' has been presented as a lie to the public, adding that the people of Gujarat would respond to this "fairytale".

Defending this stance, Congress leader Ripun Bora termed Prime Minister Modi as a "big liar", and questioned his silence on the matter in the past three years.

"All that's being said and done is only because elections are coming up in Gujarat," he claimed.

Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Modi said he had to face the hostility of the Centre when he was the chief minister of Gujarat in 2012.

After launching the RO-RO ferry service in the poll-bound Gujarat, the prime minister alleged that the UPA Government even made efforts to stall industries and growth in the state.

"When I was serving as the chief minister of Gujarat in 2012, I faced hostility from the then Central Government. Efforts were made to stall industries and the state's growth. Over the last three years, we have changed that and given importance to the development of Gujarat," he said.