PM Modi tears into Cong., accuses it of corruption, nepotism

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday continued his tirade against the Congress, accusing the party of involving in corruption, casteism and nepotism.

Addressing a public rally here, the Prime Minister said: "Congress and corruption are inseparable. For 70 years, Congress ruled the country, but they were only involved in corruption, spreading lies, casteism and nepotism. Corruption was not a major disease 70 years back. So who is responsible for corruption? Who brought communal, caste and social disharmony in India? It is the Congress. Don't you think the party needs to be taught a lesson?"

He further said that for Congress, their party's interest is more important than the nation.

Accusing the Congress of disrupting development, the Prime Minister urged the people to elect the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) with three-forth majority in the ensuing Himachal Pradesh elections.

"People in Himachal Pradesh will not only vote to elect BJP but also to punish the corrupt Congress government. To vote during the elections is a right that must be exercised. On November 9 people of Himachal Pradesh will vote for change. Such a strong mandate will help state to develop further," he added.

The Prime Minister further vowed to repay the debt of people of Himachal Pradesh through development and praised the efforts of 125 crore Indians.

"Himachal needs double engine for development. One, a BJP led government at Centre and the other a BJP government in the state," he said.

"I am not responsible for the praise that India is receiving. It is all because of the 125 crore Indians that India is shining in the world. When foreign leaders meet me, they do not meet me but the 125 crore Indians," he added.

He further said that the BJP is stressing on enhancing infrastructure in Himachal Pradesh to boost tourism in the state.

The Prime Minister added, "Himachal Pradesh needs to be free from five Mafias - 'Mining Mafia', 'Forest Mafia', 'Drug Mafia', 'Tender Mafia' and 'Transfer Mafia'."

Earlier in the day, while addressing an election rally in Himachal Pradesh's Palampur, Modi mocked at the Congress saying "corruption is the only identity of the party".

Taking a jibe at Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh and his wife Pratibha Singh for undergoing probe in connection with a Disproportionate Assets case, the Prime Minister said: "Corruption is the only identity of Congress party. Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister from Congress is known for corruption."

The hill state will go to polls on November 9.