PM Modi talks of Narmada a day after Rahul Gandhi's walk with Medha Patkar

The presence of activist Medha Patkar in Congress' Bharat Jodi Yatra earned the wrath of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Addressing an election rally at Dhoraji in Rajkot district on Sunday, Modi lashed out at Rahul Gandhi without naming him.

Reminding the audience of the importance of the Narmada River in the otherwise water-starved region, Modi said it was the first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru who had laid the foundation stone for the Sardar Sarovar dam, but it was inaugurated by Narendra Modi. The delay in its completion was caused by the opposition mounted by activists like Patkar, he said.


"You have seen the pictures yesterday, a Congress leader was seen walking with her with his hand on her shoulder," he said. "When they come seeking votes, please ask them with what face are they doing so."

Earlier, the Gujarat BJP had raked up the issue of Patkar's association with the Aam Aadmi Party, and the Prime Minister had alleged that the so-called "urban Naxals" were making an entry into Gujarat politics through the back door.

On Sunday, Modi also held a public rally at Veraval after paying obeisance at the Somnath Temple. Speaking on the occasion, Modi reiterated his appeal that the winning record set by him needed to be broken by incumbent CM Bhupendra Patel, and urged people to vote in large numbers.