Corruption and Congress synonymous: Nitin Gadkari

BORKHETRY: Union Minister Nitin Gadkari today accused the Congress of indulging in large-scale corruption in Assam with the CAG pointing out irregularities to the tune of Rs 1,80,000 crore.

"Corruption and Congress are synonymous. The CAG has pointed out irregularities to the tune of Rs 1,80,000 crore and it also asked for utilisation certificates but the state government has failed to give these over the years," Gadkari told an election rally in Lower Assam's Borkhetry Assembly constituency.

"The Centre has initiated steps for development and construction of National Highways but the state government was demanding that these be handed over to them and when I asked BJP chief ministerial candidate Sarbananda Sonowal the reason, he told me that this was the source for indulging in corrupt practices for the Congress government," he said.

The UPA government at the Centre, too, had to go because of scams to the tune of thousands of crores like the 2G and coal scams, the Minister for Road Transport, Highways and Shipping said.

BJP will not "allow this at any cost. We are committed to provide a corruption-free government. We called for contracts for construction via e-tendering and no contractor had the guts to enter my office," he said.

Gadkari said Congress was not interested in improving the condition of people and ensuring development but was only interested in promoting its family members.

He thanked the people of Assam for coming out to vote in such large numbers and said, "This high percentage makes it crystal clear that the BJP is forming the next government in Assam and a good, honest man Sarbananda Sonowal will become the Chief Minister to take the state on the path of development."