Bemetra(Chhattisgarh): Gujarat chief minister Narendra Modi today challenged the Congress to name Ajit Jogi as its chief ministerial candidate in Chhattisgarh.
Addressing an election rally here, Modi made several tongue-in-cheek remarks about Jogi, and said, while the Congress leaders mention his name in private, they are unwilling to name him as chief ministerial candidate.
"What is the reason? Why are they hiding his name? Are they hiding the stories of sin? Are the Congress leaders trying to push him to power through the back door?", asked Modi.
At another stage in his speech, Modi said, Congress President "Madam" Sonia Gandhi was unwell and he should give work to her son "Shazada".
Modi was at that point challenging the Congress to show at least one state where its government is giving free rice or round-the-clock power supply.
"I know Madam is unwell, but then he should give some work to his Shahzada, to ensure that there is at least one Congress state where there is 24-hours power supply", said Modi.
The BJP prime ministerial candidate said, Congress has failed to fulfil its promises made in 2009 to bring down prices within 100 days. "Tell me, how much onion you get for Rs 26 - the income level fixed by Planning Commission for below poverty level people? 300 grams of onions?"
Modi praised the tribals of Chhattisgarh for giving a befitting reply to Maoists braving their threats to boycott elections.
Modi also praised the security personnel who were killed and injured in attacks by Maoists in the first phase of polls.
"They gave their lives to protect ours and yours' right to cast your vote", said Modi
Modi requested the Election Commission of India to give posthumous honours and awards to the kin of brave security personnel who laid their lives to ensure peaceful polling throughout India.
