Modi figures in diaspora speech fake, says Digvijaya

Congress general secretary Digvijaya Singh Sunday criticised BJP prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi, calling him "Feku (pretender) Modi" for giving "fake figures" of growth during the BJP-led NDA regime.

The criticism came after the Gujarat chief minister reached out to the Indian diaspora while addressing the annual national convention of the US chapter of Overseas Friends of Bharatiya Janata Party (OFBJP) at Tampa, Florida, through satellite video Saturday.

"Feku Modi at his best. Giving fake figures of growth during NDA regime," Digvijaya Singh posted on Twitter.

"Modi said 'Atalji's was a Golden Era', because Modi didn't follow Raj Dharm? Parliament was attacked by Terrorists? Terrorists were released? Would Modi have courage to debate with one of us on issues of governance, development and other national issues?" Digvijaya Singh wrote.

On the achievements of the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance government, Digvijaya Singh tweeted: "UPA has fulfilled every promise made. Empowered people by giving rights on information, education, food security to women tribals and to work."

"UPA is giving its report card every year on every issue. Would Modi please get his team to look at the UPA Govt website instead of abusing?" Digvijaya Singh said.

The Congress leader also sent a message to voters through his tweet: "Modi wants Congress mukt (free) Bharat and we want bhook mukt (hunger free) Bharat. He backs privileged, Congress backs underpriviliged. Choice is yours! Congress empowers you, Modi empowers himself."

Earlier, comparing the upcoming 2014 parliamentary polls to the ones in 1977 after the 18-month Emergency rule, Modi sought help from the Indian diaspora to win.

"Like 1977, 2014 will be the voice of the people," the BJP's prime ministerial candidate said in his address.

Modi, dressed in a half-sleeved grey shirt against the backdrop of a saffron screen with the party's lotus symbol, spoke in Hindi for over an hour. His speech was telecast live across US, Canada, Europe, and India.