'There is competition whether Rupee's value will go down or UPA's character': Modi

Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP's) prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi on Sunday took a jibe at the Congress-led Central Government over the deteriorating economy, and said that there is competition on whether the value of rupee will go down or the UPA's Government's character.

"There is a competition going on - whether the value of the rupee will go down or UPA government's character. The Rupee is falling, looks like UPA's rupee is in ICU.

Current Account Deficit (CAD) has lead the country into a deep economic crisis," he said while addressing a rally here.

He further criticized the UPA Government for having no vision for the youth of the country.

"We are blessed that we have a vibrant democracy. Our other strength is we are the most youthful nation in the world. We have such a vibrant democracy, but the UPA government does not have any vision for our youth," he said.

He also lauded the vision of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, and said that under his governance the growth of IT sector was 30 percent, but it went down to 9 percent during UPA I rule.

"In 2003, a new policy on science and technology was made. In 2000 IT Act was made. Atalji gave importance to science, technology. Under Atalji's government, the growth of IT sector was 30 percent, under UPA I it came down to 9 percent," he added.

Modi also highlighted Congress Party's intolerant attitude towards anyone who supported him.

'We all respect Lata Mangeshkar. A few days ago, she said if Modi becomes Prime Minister, it would be good for country. Our UPA leaders went crazy, they said take her Bharat Ratna away. I say everyone is free to express his views in a democracy," he added.

Earlier on November 13, Mumbai Congress chief Janardhan Chandurkar had made a remark that the government should take back Lata Mangeshkar's Bharat Ratna award if she praises Modi again.