Modi makes light of Chavan’s challenge for debate

“Instead of challenging me, Maharashtra’s CM should rather tell people why do farmers need to go to Gujarat to sell their produce. I have opened bank accounts for them so that they can get their money safely in their accounts,” Modi said.

“I openly challenge Modi to have a debate on the development of Maharashtra versus development of Gujarat. Gujarat has done well and we compliment the people of Gujarat. To say that one man created the change is not correct,” Chavan had said.

There had been a talk of a railway line in the region for years, Modi said, adding if the present government could not give them a railway line, what had the government done?

“There has been a talk of setting a railway line here. This question arises wherever I go. I wonder what did Congress do for so many years? Mumbai-Delhi corridor will help the people of Gujarat and also the people of this region,” he said.

Modi reiterated that NCP chief Sharad Pawar took the Rajya Sabha route as he had known the direction in which the wind was blowing.

“Sharad Pawar understands the politics of Maharashtra better than anyone else. That is why six months back he refused to fight the elections as he didn’t want to face defeat at this age. His daughter has a long life ahead. It doesn’t matter if she loses now,” Modi said.

Modi alleged the Congress leaders had lost their confidence and their body language had changed. “Their fate has been sealed,” he said, asking the voters to “shun a government that is not strong”.

Invoking his humble background to appeal for votes, Modi said he understood the plight of the poor. “I have been a follower of Ambedkar myself because I sustained a living by selling tea. My mother used to wash utensils in other people’s homes. No one will understand your problems better than me,” he said.