Modi threat made BJP name Advani: PM

Replying to questions on the threat of mid-term polls from the Left, Singh said that his Government had taken the Left in confidence over the nuclear safeguards issue. As for mid-term polls, he said: “These are mere assumptions, but we will cross the bridge when we reach it.” On Congress chief Sonia Gandhi’s “merchant of death” remark, he said: “I do not know the context in which it was spoken”. However, he added that the matter was now before Election Commission and did not need elaboration.

On Modi’s remarks on delay of execution of Parliament attack case accused Afzal Guru, Singh replied: “There is rule of law in the country and law will take its own course.”

Later, addressing an election meeting in Paldi in Ahmedabad, Singh said: “The Gujarat elections are a battle between two forces: the Congress, which represent secular values and faith in Constitutional law, and the BJP that divides people on caste and religious lines and sows seeds of hatred and disaffection among various sections of society.”

Addressing a rally, Singh recalled the legacy of Sardar Patel and Mahatma Gandhi, and was all praise for the business and entrepreneurial acumen of the Gujaratis. He later said that he did not want to comment too much on the law and order situation of the state, but it is not too good. “Everybody is not treated equally. In the name of terrorism, an atmosphere of fear is being created and your votes are being solicited.” He also discounted the development claims made by BJP Government.

“You are being told that Gujarat has developed in last nine years, the way it has never done in past … but the development has to be inclusive. Are you leading your daily lives without fear? Are you all happy with the governance? Development has to be inclusive,” said the Prime Minister.

‘Ideological crisis’

•“This act of desperation also reflects the deep political ideological crisis affecting the BJP and the dual leadership crisis the party faces… The timing of the announcement was aimed at hoodwinking the electorate in Gujarat.”

CPI national secretary D Raja

•“The post of Prime Minister is not in his horoscope” Railway Minister Lalu Prasad

•“We have no objection. It is not a problem for us… BJP is the largest ally of the NDA and it is for that party to take a decision. So, his choice is but natural”

JD(U) President Sharad Yadav