Ahmedabad, Nov 22: Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi today accused the Congress-led government at the centre for supporting politicians sowing seeds of hatred and castism to divide the nation.
Modi was speaking at the end of his day-long fast as part of Sadbhavna Mission at Songadh in Tapi district.
“Certain power-hungry politicians and people with vested interests are sowing poison of hatred, bickering, castism and inter-state rivalry to divide the nation,” Modi said expressing concern over the issue.
“These elements have received support of previous and present Congress-led government at the Centre. The poison is administered to tribal people, too,” the chief minister said.
Modi further criticised the Union government on the price rise issue and said, “While Centre could not solve just one problem of inflation, Gujarat has set up the rule of peace and harmony, opened medical and engineering colleges for future generation and provided them with jobs, too.”
He reiterated the resolve of his government that Gujarat's ‘development mantra' would serve as the strength for the country's development through Sadbhavna Mission. The mantra for development, has been pursued vigorously since the last ten years, and would shun all other vested interests and set its own benchmark, he added.
Meanwhile, Modi announced development package of Rs 200 crore for Tapi district on the occasion which included irrigation canal from Ukai dam to Poorna River, 32 lift irrigation projects, roads through the forest areas, and converting Ukai reservoir into a tourist spot.
Over 6,000 people, including 150 Muslim youths, from the talukas of Vyara, Nizar, Uchchhal Valod and Songadh of the tribal district of Tapi, voluntarily observed fast along with the Chief Minister.
The Congress party led by Union Minister of State for Road Transport and Highways Tushar Choudhary and eight MLAs of the South Gujarat region held a counter fast against Modi.
Choudhary accused Modi government of negligence that led to the death of 50 persons due to leptospirosis couple of months ago in Tapi district.
He said that the CM was ready to provide relief to earthquake-affected persons in Nepal, but have not yet announced compensation for the families of those 50 persons who died in Tapi district due to leptospirosis.
