Sonia targets BJP, promises development in Jharkhand

Accusing the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of encouraging communal elements and developing hatred within the people, Congress president Sonia Gandhi on Sunday said that her party which has an ideology to taking everyone along will continue to work for development of Jharkhand.

Addressing a rally here ahead of the upcoming assembly elections in Jharkhand, Sonia alleged that successive governments in Jharkhand did not utilize the funds allocated by the former UPA regime for the state's development.

"You will be surprised to know that the funds allocated by the UPA Government for development of Jharkhand were not used for the state's development by successive governments here," Sonia said.

"Prime Minister Narendra Modi was here two days back. He spoke big things among you all and asked for your support. You must ask him what the people of Jharkhand got by supporting the BJP for more than 14 years. You had to face more problems," she added.

Asserting that the Congress has a history of fighting for the rights of people, Sonia said: "The Congress has always been against injustice and exploitation. The Congress has played a vital role in the development of the nation after independence."

"The Congress has fought for empowerment of women and for the life of dignity for minorities and all sections of society," she added.

The first phase of the five-phased polling in Jharkhand will be held on Tuesday. The counting of votes will take place on December 23.