Rahul Gandhi accuses BJP of sparking communal tensions

Says he's against the BJP's politics because they cause harm for political gains

Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of sparking communal tensions in the country for its political benefits.

"I am against the kind of politics BJP does as they spark fire of tension for political benefits... they hurt people for political gains," Rahul Gandhi said while launching Congress campaign in the poll-bound state.

"These people (BJP) go to Muzaffarnagar, (Jammu and) Kashmir and Gujarat and spark communal tension and we have to make efforts to douse it," he said.

"This is why I want India to stay together, stand together. The BJP divides people, but I want the people of India to be united," he said at the massive rally.

Rahul Gandhi said such incidents spread anger among people and it takes years to remove that hatred from their hearts and minds.

"I have faced this twice, they killed my grandmother, my father and one day they may kill me also. But I don't care," he said.

"I saw my grand-mother's blood. I also saw the blood of her killers Beant Singh and Satwant Singh. I used to play with those who killed dadi (grand-mother Indira Gandhi). I was angry with them for a long time after they killed my grandmother."

"I understand the pain of losing someone very close. My father (Rajiv Gandhi) too was killed... Anger over violence is natural but it only hurts common people. The BJP makes use of people's anger."

Both Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi were assassinated. While Indira Gandhi was gunned down by her Sikh bodyguards October 31, 1984, Rajiv was assassinated by Tamil Tigers at a political rally May 21, 1991.

Rahul Gandhi said the Congress party has always worked for the poor and will continue to work for their welfare.

"We want to take everyone along, irrespective of caste and financial condition. I want everyone to be part of running the country. Lakhs of people should be involved in the running of country," he said at the Congress rally.

Voting in the state is slated for December 1 and counting of ballots will be held on December 8.