Virtually launching BJP's poll campaign in Chhattisgarh which goes to assembly poll later this year, Modi, the party's election campaign committee chief, also attacked Rahul Gandhi for his remarks that poverty is a state of mind saying "it is like pouring acid on the misery of the people".
He drew comparisons between the Congress-led government at the Centre and BJP government's performance in the state to target the Prime Minister on the economy.
"With his treatment, Raman Singh has reinvigorated Chhattisgarh, while because of Manmohan singh, our Rupee is in the hospital, precariously hanging between life and death," Modi said speaking at a rally for which a cardboard replica of Delhi's Red Fort was set up to mirror Modi's prime ministerial ambitions.
Taking a swipe at the Prime Minister over the tumbling Rupee, the internet-savvy Gujarat strongman said "I received a photo on a social media website showing Mahatma Gandhi looking through a microscope, trying to find the Rupee and his image on the currency, wondering where they have vanished."
"There is a leader in Congress who says poverty is just a state of mind and nothing else. His grandmother (Indira Gandhi), who had given the slogan of 'garibi hatao', would have surely been pained. Instead of applying balm on the wounds of the poor, he has rubbed acid.
"Yet, nobody has expressed any regret for the comment. Congress' arrogance is on the seventh heaven," he said, adding "whoever has tried to quell public aspirations, the people have destroyed their arrogance with the power that democracy vests in them.
You’ve reached your limit of {{free_limit}} free articles this month.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
Already subscribed? Log in
Subscribe to read the full story →
Smart Quarterly
₹900
3 Months
₹300/Month
Smart Essential
₹2,700
1 Year
₹225/Month
Super Saver
₹3,900
2 Years
₹162/Month
Renews automatically, cancel anytime
Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans
Exclusive premium stories online
Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors


Complimentary Access to The New York Times
News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic
Business Standard Epaper
Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share


Curated Newsletters
Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox
Market Analysis & Investment Insights
In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor


Archives
Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997
Ad-free Reading
Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements


Seamless Access Across All Devices
Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app
