Narendra Modi opposing food security as he fears electoral setback: Congress

VADODARA: Gujarat Congress today rapped Chief Minister Narendra Modi for writing directly to the Prime Minister over the Food Security Bill but not responding when the Centre had sought the views of the Chief Ministers on the issue earlier.

Gujarat Pradesh Congress Committee's President Arjun Modhwadiya alleged that Modi opposed the bill fearing that it would benefit the party during elections.

Addressing a rally, organised to felicitate the newly-appointed Vadodara district Congress chief Vinubhai Patel, Modhwadiya said, "Modi wants to deprive 2.25 crore people in Gujarat of food security. This shows his true colours -- anti-poor. He is interested in protecting interests of large corporate houses."

He alleged that Modi was worried about Congress getting votes of the poor. "So Modi wrote a letter to the Prime Minister opposing this bill, demanding consultation with the Chief Ministers," Modhwadia said, adding that Modi never communicated his views earlier, when the Centre had sought states' response.

Referring to Modi's claim that the implementation of food security would impose financial burden on the states, he asked why Modi government gave huge financial concessions to corporate houses.