Cong hiding behind 'burqa' of secularism: Modi

Look minutely, whenever Congress is faced with a challenge- whether it is corruption, price rise, directives from the Supreme Court, or a minister being jailed, or the rape of girls or an atmosphere of insecurity- they do not answer the people. The moment there is a crisis, they wear the 'burqa' (veil) of secularism and hide in a bunker

Pune (PTI): Getting into election mode after his elevation in BJP, Narendra Modi on Sunday launched a blistering attack on Prime Minister Manmohan Singh over the downturn in economy, falling rupee and corruption while accusing Congress of hiding behind a veil of secularism to cover its failures. The Gujarat Chief Minister lashed out at Congress for failing to deliver on its promise to remove poverty and instead handing "out a piece of paper" containing a law on food security.

Addressing a public rally here this evening, Modi hit out at the Prime Minister, saying he was following the path of destruction despite being among the best economists. "The rupee is falling because those sitting in Delhi are busy looting and eating money. Congress is one stream where even the best among economists starts treading the path of destruction," he said.

Targeting Congress for giving Rahul Gandhi a prominent role in the party, Modi said, "The dynastic politics of Congress is at the root of the problems faced by the country. The dynasty has crushed people's expectations. The Congress has taken people for granted."

Facing criticism from his opponents for defending his government over the Gujarat riots, Modi said, "Look minutely, whenever Congress is faced with a challenge- whether it is corruption, price rise, directives from the Supreme Court, or a minister being jailed, or the rape of girls or an atmosphere of insecurity- they do not answer the people. The moment there is a crisis, they wear the 'burqa' (veil) of secularism and hide in a bunker," he said. BJP has often charged the Congress with engaging in minority appeasement for votebank politics.

"The government in Delhi thinks that just by bringing in the Food Security Bill, there will be food on your plate," Bharatiya Janata Party's election campaign chief told students of Pune's Fergusson College. Modi said, "There is a sense of despondency in the country today" and stressed that there was a need to modernise India without westernising it. "There is a need to nurture talent for nation building," Modi said, peppering his address with achievements made by the Gujarat government in education and other sectors.

Modi cited the example of South Korea and lauded the strides made by that country. "But in this country of 120 crore people, we auctioned the country in the Commonwealth Games. The CWG scam tarnished the image of the country. Is this the direction where we want to take the country?" he asked. "When the government brings down the prestige of the country, then it becomes a matter of concern," he said.