Modi kicks off poll campaign, raises coal issue

Launching a month-long campaign ahead of assembly elections, Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday raised the coal issue, accusing the Congress of whipping up an atmosphere of anger against the CAG like it did against the Supreme Court in the 2G case.

Seeking yet another term, Modi also sought to put the Central Bureau of Investigation in the dock by alleging that the Congress was contesting the polls along with the investigating agency.

Giving signals that he would fight the coming polls on the plank of "injustice meted out to Gujarat", Modi appealed to the people to work towards a 'Congress-free Gujarat' on the lines of a 'gutka-free Gujarat' to wipe out "cancer".

Addressing a gathering near Becharaji on the first day of his month-long Vivekanand Yuva Vikas Yatra, Modi said the Congress has the habit of targeting constitutional authorities by creating an atmosphere of anger against those who do not toe its line.

The prime minister and the Congress are doing the same to the CAG what late Indira Gandhi used to do, he alleged. He said on the 2G issue, Congress leaders had adopted a similar stance towards the Supreme Court. Now, the CAG's credibility is being questioned by the PM and his colleagues.

The Gujarat CM also utilised the occasion to ridicule state Congress leaders for their pleas to the people to oppose him during his yatra.

"Are you so scared that you won't listen to my voice? Do you want Sonia Gandhi and the PM to face similar opposition when they come here," he said.

He said in a democracy everyone had a right to place his or her views. Taking a dig at local Congress leaders, he said his government would extend all possible support for them to place their views before public.

Blaming the United Progressive Alliance government for the economic situation, he said the PM should follow the Gujarat model of development.