Congress always kept dynasty's interest over national interest: Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday lashed out at the previous Congress governments, alleging that they kept the defence forces exposed to the enemy's bullets for several years on failing to get commissions in defence deals and to protect the "dynasty".

"They always put personal interest over national interest," he said.

Addressing a public rally here after inaugurating and laying foundation stones of various projects worth Rs 538 crore, Modi stressed how efforts to get the Indian Air Force state-of-art fighter jets in form of Rafale were delayed and blocked by the Congress.

"As we expedite the process, the first Rafale jets will be in Indian skies soon," the Prime Minister said while charging the Congress with spreading falsehoods about the Rafale deal.

"Every one from the Supreme Court to the CAG have cleared the deal as one which is transparent and in national interest... (but) some people were still spreading misinformation... the dismay of not getting their cuts and commissions in defence deals is writ large on their faces," he said.

Tearing into Congress President and local MP Rahul Gandhi, though without specifically naming him, the Prime Minister said between 2009 to 2014, demands of providing 1.86 lakh bulletproof jackers for defence forces was neglected.

"It was our government that ordered 2.3 lakh bullet proof jackets. Development and national interest was blocked for years because it did not suit power centres in that party and the dynasty," he alleged.

Referring to the ordinance factory in Amethi, in which AK-203 assault rifles would now be produced and subsequently exported to other countries, Modi said that this work had to begin way back in 2009.

"You can see for yourself their seriousness towards you and development," he said as people started shouting slogans of "Rahul Gandhi chor hai".

Targeting Gandhi, Modi said that he had promised 1,500 jobs to local youth while only 200 were given and "now this person is going around the country, giving lectures on employment".

He also accused Gandhi of neglecting his own constituency. Referring to a cycle factory which was to come up in Amethi, the Prime Minister said while land was allotted and hopes kindled, it was later taken away, through the back door, for personal use.

"People who do not have a fair vision, a fair sense of empathy with the poor cannot be trusted. Those whose intentions are bad, how will they ensure the welfare of the country," he said.

--IANS

md/vd