Modi taunts Congress for not naming Rahul as PM candidate

It said Congress had taken the "exit" route by not naming Rahul as PM candidate as he was "no match" to Modi and was equally responsible for the "ills" and "suffering" of the country.

Taking the centre stage on the second and concluding day of the conclave, Modi questioned Congress' contention that it was following the tradition that PM should be elected by party MPs as he cited the case of Rajiv Gandhi in 1984 and Manmohan Singh in 2004.

The BJP's Prime Ministerial candidate also responded to the 'chai wala' barbs at him by Congress leaders by invoking his backward class background and saying that "those born in an aristocratic family" feel below their dignity to contest against a tea vendor because of "feudal mindset".

During his 75-minute speech at the conclusion of the two-day meet, he took digs at Rahul while referring to his address at AICC on Friday and attacked the UPA government over its policies.

Insisting that the upcoming Lok Sabha polls are not only for a change in government but for meeting the hopes and aspirations of the country, Modi asked people to give "this servant" a chance to serve for 60 months when they have given chance to "rulers" for 60 years.

The Gujarat Chief Minister, who is often attacked by Congress, said, "Woh naamdar hain aur mai kaamdar hun (they are big names and I am a worker)."

Referring to the Congress decision of not naming Rahul as PM candidate, Modi said, "There are obviously political reasons. But I see a human angle behind this decision of Congress. When defeat is imminent, which mother will sacrifice her son politically? The heart of a mother (Sonia) decided to protect her son."

He questioned Congress' contention that it was following the tradition of not naming a PM candidate as the person should be elected by the MPs. In this regard, he referred to 1984, saying Rajiv Gandhi was made as the Prime Minister hours after the assassination of his mother Indira Gandhi.

"About four people took the decision and Rajiv Gandhi was sworn in as the Prime Minister," he said.