Gujarat poll: Modi sticks to development agenda

Though Modi largely focused on development agenda during the campaign, attacking the UPA government for neglecting Gujarat, in an apparent reflection of his unease after Keshubhai launched his outfit, he subtly played the communal card when he said though the Congress wanted Ahmed Patel, a Muslim, as its Chief Ministerial candidate, it was fighting shy of announcing his name for the job.  An angry Congress retaliated, saying Modi was trying to stoke communal passions.

“They never had the issue of development in 2002 and 2007 elections. Everyone knows what issues they fought on...In 2012 they do not have any issue on which they can divide the society, or stoke passions, so history repeats itself...they are trying to rake up ‘Mia' Patel issue,” Vaghela said, rising to Modi's bait.

Modi's remark also drew a strong reaction from Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, who accused him of playing divisive politics.

“We have been receiving regular complaints that minorities and few other segments are feeling insecure in the state. Even some state government officers have filed complaints on this issue which is unfortunate for the country,” Singh had said addressing his first election rally at Vansda on Sunday.

“Time has come to free Gujarat from such politics and not let these people who have been trying to get votes by dividing the society and country to come back to power,” he said.