Modi targets Sonia over anti-Sikh riots

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday attacked Congress president Sonia Gandhi, saying its leaders had no right to talk about tolerance when they were involved in the 1984 anti-Sikh riots.

Addressing the first of his three election rallies on Monday in this district, Modi asked rhetorically: "Madam Soniaji, do you remember 1984? What happened in Delhi? Sikhs were killed. Serious charges were made against the Congress. Ironically, now the Congress talks of tolerance."

He said after two Sikh bodyguards assassinated then prime minister Indira Gandhi, innocent Sikhs "were killed in broad daylight... And the Congress is giving lectures on tolerance".

After targeting the Congress, Modi as usual took on Chief Minister and Janata Dal-United leader Nitish Kumar and Rashtriya Janata Dal leader and former chief minister Lalu Prasad.

"Nitish Babu and Laluji, you can play as many games as you want. When the assembly election results will be out on November 8, Bihar will celebrate two Diwalis.

"The people of Bihar are going to give us a two-third majority in the assembly," he added.

Modi told the crowd that Nitish Kumar was not talking about electricity because he knows people would question him on his promise to provide power to the entire state.

"We are seeking votes for development and to provide 24 hours electricity," he thundered.

"It is the responsibility of those who are in power to give an account of their work. Laluji ruled for 15 years, 'chhota bhai' (Nitish Kumar) ruled for 10 years.

"Our sisters and mothers are angry about the law and order situation in the state as they have to suffer the most.

"That is why, ever since the fear of 'jungle raj' has arisen, women have been coming out in favour of the BJP on polling days in large numbers."