Congress leader seek Narendra Modi's apology for attacking PM

VADODARA: Senior Congress leader Sudhakar Reddy has demanded an apology from Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi for using Independence Day function to attack the Prime Minister and the Congress party.

Modi used an event like Independence Day for making a political speech and attack Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and the Congress party. He should apologise, he said here.

The BJP stalwart, in his speech, challenged Singh to a public debate on governance and slammed him for India's "weak and feeble" response to provocations from Pakistan and China, and also on several other issues, including the food Bill.

Talking to reporters here last night, Reddy, however, welcomed BJP veteran L K Advani's statement that on a day like Independence Day leaders should not be critical of others.

The Congress leader described Modi as "a corporate Chief Minister",and alleged that he protects the interests of industrialists and ignores the plights of the poor and farmers in Gujarat.

Meanwhile, the `Rajiv Jyoti Sadbhavna Yatra' of the Congress arrived in the city last night. Reddy is in-charge of the yatra, which began its journey from the former Prime Minister's memorial at Sriperumbudur near Chennai on August 9.

Local Congress leaders and workers, led by Vinubhai Patel, chief of the party's district unit, and Narendra Rawat, President of the city branch, welcomed the yatra.

The yatra entered Bhilad in Gujarat from neighbouring Maharashtra yesterday morning and made brief halts at Vapi Bulsar, Navsari, Surat, Ankleshwar and Bharuch before reaching Vadodara, Reddy said.

The country-wide yatra's aim is to promote communal harmony and take forward the ideals of Rajiv Gandhi. About 300 people, including 100 women, are taking part in it, he added.

It is scheduled to reach New Delhi on August 19, the eve of the birth anniversary of the former Premier.