Modi expresses solidarity with armed forces, calls Congress 'Feku Express'

Expressing solidarity with the Border Security Force (BSF) personnel on the occasion of India's 67th Independence Day, Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday highlighted his government's contribution in assisting men in uniform, and called the ruling Congress Party a ''Feku Express'.

"Today, the water from the Narmada is reaching you through a pipeline from 700 kilometres away," said Modi, while highlighting the efforts of his government.

"The entire Congress Party is busy in running a 'Feku Express', but my government is working in a new express to ensure that the water from River Narmada reaches the jawans," he added.

Modi further said he has always attempted to solve the problems of the jawans.

"It's my fortune that after unfurling the national flag, I have got the opportunity to meet those jawans who risk their lives so that the national flag is never bowed down, who remain alert day and night and provide security to the nation," said Modi.

"I keep on visiting this area. And whenever I have visited this area, I have tried to address your problems. You are my state's guests and it is my responsibility to serve you. So, I have always attempted to solve the problems that came my way," he added.

Modi, who is considered by many be the BJP's Prime Ministerial candidate, earlier in the day launched a frontal attack on Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, and challenged to have a competition of development between Gujarat and Delhi.

"When we talk about independence, the map of Gujarat naturally flashes before our eyes. Both the non-violent and revolutionary paths to independence went through Gujarat," said Modi in his Independence Day speech at Bhuj.

"Both Mahatma Gandhi and Sardar Patel were from Gujarat and so were many illustrious revolutionaries who hailed from Kutch," he added.

Holding the Prime Minister responsible for corruption and rising inflation, Modi said: "Even after 60 years, we are still slaves."

Modi also criticized the Prime Minister for taking a soft stand against Pakistan.

"I expected PM would make a strong statement from Red Fort. Prime Minister should have talked tough from the ramparts of Red Fort," he said.

"The Red Fort should have been used to boost the morale of our armed forces especially after the recent incidents at the border," he added.

Earlier on August 6, five Indian soldiers were killed by Pakistani Specialist Forces on August 6 along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch District.