Sonia ridicules PM Modi over his 'hollow promises'(Update)

Congress president Sonia Gandhi on Saturday kicked off the party's campaign for the forthcoming Bihar polls by criticising Prime Minister Narendra Modi over what she called "hollow promises" to the people of Bihar.

"People of Bihar have proved that they don't believe in the hollow promises made by Prime Minister Modi. People are aware of this government's 17 months rule whose anti-people policies have affected thousand of framers, workers and weavers in Bhagalpur and its nearby areas," Congress president Gandhi said addressing a rally at Kahalgaon, near Bhagalpur.

"What to expect from this government where only handful of businessmen are happy and the people are suffering," he added.

Sonia Gandhi criticised Prime Minister Modi for his frequent foreign visits, saying hugging famous personalities was his new hobby.

"I would advise him also to hug people who have chosen you with lots of expectation. He should show real oneness instead of fake emotions and share their sufferings with them," she added.

She further criticised Prime Minister Modi over his announced package of Rs. 1.65 lakh crores saying he was accomplished in packaging and repackaging.

"This government is trying its best to mislead people of Bihar. He has announced a package for Bihar which is more of a lie than truth," she added.

Gandhi further lampooned Prime Minister Modi for his failure to check raise in prices of essential commodities.

"Despite promising a job to the youths, unemployment has gone up. Are the farmers getting the right amount for their crops? The unemployment has grown due to the faulty policies of this government," she added.

This was the first election rally of Gandhi after poll dates were announced in Bihar.

Elections for the 243-member Bihar Assembly will be held in five phases between October 12 and November 5.

The counting of votes will take place on November 8.