PM rubbishes Modi's claim on Gujarat development

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Wednesday accused Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi of misguiding the people over the state's progress and said the Bharatiya Janata Party government has done 'nothing' for Gujarat's progress.

"Gujarat can be one of the best states in the country. Gujaratis are famous for their hard working skills, but the situation in the state is not as good as is shown", he said at a public meeting in Rajkot.

The people of Gujarat are being misguided over the state's progress achieved in the last ten years under the BJP government, but the state has started progressing since 1960, Singh said.

"I have come here to get mandate for serving the people of the state and to make Gujarat one of the best states in the country," Singh said.

Coverage: Gujarat Elections 2007

The Modi-led government has been thriving on 'false claims' of achievements and giving 'false hopes' to the people, he said adding progress could not be achieved by spending lakhs of rupees on advertisement.

The Prime Minister said the United Progressive Alliance government has given funds to the state for various projects for improving of various sectors, including the education and health sectors. But the state government does not have the gratitude to acknowledge it, he said.

"The time has come to bring a change in the state and I appeal to the people of Gujarat to bring about the change and give a chance to the Congress for a better future," he said.

The state has benefited from the UPA government and the Modi government has no significant role in the state's progress, he said.

Singh said if the Congress comes to power, it will solve the power crisis from the state within three years.