Congress raised morale of Naxals in Chhattisgarh: Modi

Korba (Chhattisgarh) [India], Apr 16 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday accused Congress of "raising morale" of Naxals in Chhattisgarh and urged voters to choose between landmines and pipelines.
"Whatever is happening here is because Congress raised the morale of Naxals," Modi said at a rally here while blaming the grand old party for the violence in the state.   
"Does Chhattisgarh need landmine or electric line and water pipeline?" Modi asked the crowd.
The Prime Minister said, "When I came here during Assembly polls, I had drawn your attention towards comments of some Congress leaders. It was during that time when Congress was terming Naxals as revolutionaries."
Attacking Congress on its election promise to abolish the sedition law, Modi said, "The morale of Naxals is also going up with Congress 'dhakosala patra (fake manifesto)'. The Congress has announced to scrap the sedition law if they come to power."
The Prime Minister explained that repealing the sedition law would benefit Naxals. "That means people who misguide our children and give arms in their hands for their personal gains will get an open licence," Modi told the gathering.
He said that while BJP was working towards the development of the state, Congress was conspiring to backtrack the state to the times of violence.  
"We are working towards constructing new roads and rail lines, water and electricity, mobile connection and establishing industries, whereas a conspiracy is being hatched to push the state back to the era of deadly violence," he said.
Cautioning the people of "supporters" of Naxals, Modi asked them to choose between landmines and pipelines. 
He alleged that Congress was not only supporting the Naxals but also the people who wish to break the country into pieces.
"Hand of Congress (symbol) is not just with Naxals but also with those who wish to break the country into pieces," Modi said in an apparent reference to separatists in Jammu and Kashmir.
Modi hit out at the Congress for promising to review the Armed Forces Special Powers Act.
He said: "Congress wants to weaken our armed forces fighting with terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir. It wants to repeal the law which protects them."
Congress has decades of experience of deceiving people, Modi said.
PM Modi took a jibe at Congress saying that "its leaders hold PhD degree in deceiving people".
He also questioned Congress president Rahul Gandhi's statement in which he said: "Why all thieves have Modi in their names".
Chhattisgarh witnessed election in one seat in the first phase of voting on April 11. Rest of the 10 seats will go to polls between April 18 and April 23. Counting of votes will take place on May 23. (ANI)