Advani predicts Cong’s worst performance ever

Noticing a model of the Ram Temple being held aloft by a group of party supporters, he said: ‘‘This, what you are flashing, is among our party’s goals. However, any solution worked out through mutual negotiations will be lasting and will promote goodwill between Hindus and Muslims.’’

Responding to a demand from a section of the audience for dissolution of the UP Assembly, Advani said: ‘‘Take it from me, if you elect BJP (government), then a Vidhan Sabha poll too would not be far.’’

Advani attacked the Congress, but spared Sonia Gandhi. However, former chief minister Kalyan Singh and Agriculture Minister Rajnath Singh took on the Congress president.

Kalyan claimed the people thronging roadsides during Sonia’s roadshow ‘‘are coming to see her. They want to see how Soniaji looks, where she comes from, how is she built (kaisi kad-kathi ki hain).’’

He described UP Chief Minister Mulayam Singh Yadav’s rule as ‘‘jungle-raj, in which mafia rule to the roost. Extortions and abductions are the order of the day and criminals move about freely.’’

Rajnath said he ‘‘respected’’ Sonia but could not accept a person of foreign origin as the PM. He claimed that Emperor Chandragupta Maurya married a daughter of Seleucus but did not make her the chief queen. Drawing from recent history, he said Kalpana Chawlacould not run for the presidency due to the law barring an immigrant from the highest office.