'We are thieves, we have stolen the sleep of Congress workers': Modi

Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP's) prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi on Monday accepted the allegations made by the Congress-led UPA Government that the saffron outfit is a party of thieves, and said that his party has 'stolen the sleep of the Congress workers'.

"Congress calls us (chor) thieves, I would like to say we accept the charge because we have stolen the sleep of Congress workers," he said while addressing a rally here in the poll-bound state.

"For the Congress Party, the youth of this country are mere voters. But for us, youth is the power. That is why we want a government that empowers the youth," he added.

Modi further said that the Congress Party is least bothered about the welfare of the people.

"Congress' arrogance is at the highest point. They are least bothered about the people. They utilise their entire strengths into either securing their power or snatching someone's power. They never think about the welfare of the people," he said.

"Since the time of India's independence, Congress has not fulfilled any of its promises. Those who try to mislead you, will you ever trust them?" he questioned.

While lauding Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan's efforts to promote tourism, Modi criticized the Central Government for paying less attention to the development of National Highways in the state.

"Shivraj Singh has done a lot to promote tourism in Madhya Pradesh, but the condition of National Highway is so bad that a tourist will never come back here. The Central Government has to take responsibility of National Highways. They are not ready to repair the National Highways, and they are not ready to spend money on its maintenance," he said.

He further said that Congress believes in dividing people, and asked them to be careful with the tricks of the hand (Congress' election symbol).

"In this 21st century, if we have to take our nation forward, we need development and not division. The politics of Congress is such that it keeps dividing people. You have to be careful with the tricks of the hand (Congress election symbol). This is the hand that will destroy the country. We have to save this country,' he added.

Madhya Pradesh is going to polls on November 25, and results would be announced on December 8, along with those in Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan, Mizoram and New Delhi.