PM Modi challenges Congress to appoint 'outsider' as party president

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday challenged the Congress to appoint a party president from outside the Gandhi family.

Addressing a public rally here, Prime Minister Modi said: "Congress speaks about democratic ideals and say it was due to (former prime minister) Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru that Modi, a 'Chaiwala', is the Prime Minister today. But if they make someone their party president who is not from that one family, I would agree they value the democratic ideals."

Training guns at the rival party, he accused the Congress of having done nothing for the people of the state and hence, have little to tell the people about their achievements. "What did the Congress governments do for the people of Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh when they were in power in these states. Four generations of Congress ruled but they have nothing to tell the people. We are everyday giving a report card of what we have done in last four years," he added.

Continuing his tirade against the party, the Prime Minister said, "Congress nationalised the banks in the name of poor but what is the reason that the poor did not have any access to banks? What is the reason that the poor did not have even a bank account? When we came to power, we empowered the poor, opened their bank accounts."

He further said that his government is committed to working for the welfare of every citizen. "Motto of every government should be the welfare of all, not a select few. Our mantra is 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas', and we are committed that fruits of development reach every citizen," the Prime Minister added.

The second phase of polling in Chhattisgarh is due on November 20, while the first phase concluded on November 12 and recorded a voter turnout of 70 per cent. The counting of votes will be held on December 11.