Modi magic is just media hype: Virbhadra

Modi cannot claim credit for Gujarat's development as it has always been a developed state, says Singh

Narendra Modi cannot claim credit for Gujarat's development as it has always been a developed state, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh said today while asserting that the perception about 'Modi magic' was just media hype.

Singh, a senior Congress leader who was a Union minister before moving to Himachal Pradesh about a year ago, said Modi is no superman as is being projected and his model of development is not worth following.

He admitted that BJP had got a "headstart" in campaigning as he started early but was of the view that Congress could make up by having an effective campaign and highlighting "facts" against Modi and finish well.

"There is no Modi wave. It is the creation of media, particularly electronic media. There is nothing extraordinary about him," he told PTI here.

"Modi is projected as some superman, which is not the fact," added the 80-year-old leader who has become the Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh for the fourth time.

On Modi's campaign that his leadership had brought development and progress in Gujarat, the Himachal Chief Minister said he was not ready to give any credit to his counterpart.

"Gujarat has always been the most developed state. There has been development since Independence. It (development) is a legacy of the past. There is no 'Modi magic' as is being portrayed," Singh contended.

While questioning Modi's claim about development, he said even the Congress Chief Ministers of Gujarat had done a lot for the progress of the state.