In Pics: Narendra Modi's rally in Himachal & Uttarakhand

Palampur (HP): Amid escalating war of words, Narendra Modi today alleged that Congress was a “dhokebaaz” (fraud) party and described its manifesto as “dhokapatra”. “I do not like saying it but Congress is a party that betrays people. It is a “dhokebaaz” party. See their 2009 manifesto. It is not a manifesto but a ‘dhokapatra',” he said at an election rally here.Referring to price rise, BJP's Prime Ministerial candidate said, “Congress had promised in its 2009 manifesto that it will bring down prices within 100 days. So is it not a ‘dhokapatra' ?”Modi said the people may forgive a mistake but they do not spare a cheat. “If you cheat people, they will not forgive you. They may forgive a mistake but not a cheat.” Asking people to give BJP a chance at the Centre, he said, “You have given 60 years to the ruler (Congress), now give me 60 months to serve you. The country does not need a ruler, it needs a “sevak” (servant). “I want to serve the people as a servant for which I want your blessings.”Trying to strike an emotional cord with the people in Himachal Pradesh, he repeatedly chanted the famous quote of martyr Vikram Batra “Ye Dil Mange More” in his home town. Batra, who fought the 1999 Kargil war, was awarded Param Vir Chakra (PVC), the highest military honour, posthumously. He also referred to Major Somnath Sharma, the first PVC recipient, and lauded the sacrifices made by soldiers from the state.“I want 300 lotuses (seats), including all the four in Himachal to make a strong government at the Centre and pull the country out from the ditch and put it back on the rails,” the Gujarat Chief Minister said.During the rally in which a large number of ex-servicemen were present, Modi, however, avoided any reference to Kamal Kanta Verma, mother of Vikram Batra, who is contesting Lok Sabha polls from Hamirpur as Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) candidate. He also accused the UPA government of not doing justice to defence personnel.Targeting young voters, he said, “The period between 18 years and 28 years of age is very crucial for everybody, because it shapes the future. All important decisions are taken during this period.“It is a golden period and you cannot take any risk during the period. If there is a weak government in Delhi your five-year period will be spoilt.”Making an appeal to jawans, Modi said, “They give their lives for the nation. The government, at least, needs to be honest with them. See how Congress has misled the servicemen over one-rank one-pension issue. They have been doing it in last so many elections.”He said, “This election is not being fought by political parties, leaders or candidates but by the people of the country who are fed up with those who looted and ruined the country and are extremely angry. It is an election of hope, enthusiasm and belief of the youth looking for a better India and I promise to come up to their expectations.” On corruption, Modi said, “The Prime Minister says that money does not grow on trees but in Himachal not apple but money grew in one man's orchard and we need to free nation of the menace.” He, however, did not name any leader. He said,”I have spent years in Himachal Pradesh and spent time with leaders such as Shanta Kumar (party candidate from Kangra) and I am familiar with the problems of the state.”Addressing another rally in Mandi, he made specific reference to ‘lahaul' potato and said with proper planning and research, the farmers can be taught various aspects of marketing like branding and packaging and get good returns. He also addressed a poll rally at Solan.