PM, Congress failed to ensure NE's development: Narendra Modi

GUWAHATI/IMPHAL: Narendra Modi today attacked Congress and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh for "failing" to ensure development of Northeast though he represented Assam for the last 23 years in the Rajya Sabha.

"For 23 years you have been sending the Prime Minister from here. You tell me, you made such a big investment but what did you get in return. Did you get anything? ... If he being yours could not do anything for you, then what will he do for the nation?" Modi told public rallies in Guwahati and Imphal.

He said even if an ordinary worker from Assam had represented the state for so many years, he could have changed the face of the state, but Singh failed to do so and owed an explanation to the people for it.

"The Congress chief ministers invite the Prime Minister for laying foundation stone or cutting ribbons for projects, but it ends there and nothing happens afterwards," the Gujarat chief minister said.

Modi said NDA Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee had taken the initiative of creating a separate ministry for the northeastern region and taken steps to develop it, but the Congress governments in the state and the Centre "have been indulging in corruption only".

"Among all Northeast states, Assam's condition is worst," he said, alleging "Congress leaders are narrow minded. Their thinking is narrow, dreams are small and vision is shortsighted.

"You have tolerated Congress for 60 years. They only made promises and misguided the country. Give me just 60 months, I will fulfil your aspirations," Modi said.

"It's only a matter of 100 days, Congress' exit is confirmed. They won't survive," the Gujarat Chief Minister said.

Speaking about the death of Arunachal Pradesh student Nido Tania in Delhi, he said "It is a shameful incident for the nation. I offer my prayers for the boy and his family ... There is lack of governance there. There are cases of atrocities on women."