Narendra Modi, BJP putting obstacles in development: Congress

"Whenever Centre undertakes any development work, BJP starts obstructing it and scares people, defames those who embark upon the road of development," alleged senior Congress leader and Incharge of the party affairs in Gujarat, Mohan Prakash while addressing 'Gujarat Vishwakarma Sammelan' here.

Dismissing BJP's criticism of diesel price hike and FDI in multi-brand retail, he said, "Where was Modiji when NDA government allowed McDonalds in Gujarat? He has no right to criticise Congress because we are giving those benefits to six crore people of Gujarat, which were offered on silver platter to only six industrial houses by Modi".

In an effort to woo Vishwakarma community in the poll-bound state, Congress leaders berated the Modi government for "ignoring" their plight.

Assembly elections are due in the state by this year-end.

Advisor to Prime Minister on Public Information Infrastructure and Innovations, Sam Pitroda, was the special invitee at the function.

State unit Congress president Arjun Modhwadia slammed Modi for "imitating" China in a bid to spread technology in the state.

"When Modi talks about 6 crore Gujaratis he never talks about Sam Pitroda, who is also a Gujarati. But if we come to power, we will bring him to Gujarat," Modhwadia said.

He promised to set up the first ever 'artisan development board' in Gujarat and revive 'clay artists board' if Congress is voted to power.