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Modi begins yatra with swipe at Congress

"Congress is trying to reach Gandhinagar through Godhra, a dream which will never be realised," Modi said addressing a rally in Phagvel to mark the beginning of the 5000-km yatra that will take him across the state.

The yatra is seen as an attempt by the BJP to whip up support in the run up to the assembly elections, expected to be held in November-December this year.

Despite the law and order problems due to the riots, his government had successfully conducted school examinations in which over 10 million (one crore) students appeared, Modi told the audience.

It is for the people to punish his government if they felt it was responsible for the riots in the state, he said.

The rally attracted a huge crowd, reminiscent of a similar gathering a week ago addressed by Congress leader Shankarsinh Vaghela.

Phagvel falls in Kapadvanj parliamentary constituency, represented by Vaghela.

Amidst unprecedented security, BJP leaders, including Modi and former chief minister Keshubhai Patel, visited Bhatiji Maharaj's temple before addressing the rally.

Accepting the gauntlet thrown by Vaghela that the BJP would face a tough battle in the coming elections, Modi said those who are not worried about Gujarat's gaurav (pride) will bite the dust.

Taking a pot shot at the Congress, he said, during party president Sonia Gandhi's visit to Porbander after the riots in the state, the party took Mahatma Gandhi's name only thrice but that of his assassin Nathuram Godse 13 times.

"Sonia Gandhi is a daughter of Italy who does not have proper knowledge of India's history," he added.

PTI

Gujarat Elections 2002: The complete coverage

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