Gujarat Assembly Election 2017: The BJP has ruled the state for the last 22 years.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the scheduled caste (SC) and scheduled tribe (ST) members of the BJP in election-bound Gujarat today and listen to their concerns on Cyclone Ockhi, which may hit the state. Today is the last day of the high-octane campaign for the first phase of the crucial Assembly polls in Gujarat, PM Modi's home state. Votes will be counted on December 18. The BJP has ruled the state for the last 22 years.
Here are the live updates on Narendra Modi's election campaign in Gujarat:
The Congress wasted no time in condemning Mr Aiyar's comments. "BJP and PM routinely use filthy language to attack the Congress party. The Congress has a different culture and heritage. I do not appreciate the tone and language used by Mr Mani Shankar Aiyar to address the PM. Both the Congress and I expect him to apologise for what he said," Rahul Gandhi said.
BJP chief Amit Shah, also campaigning in Gujarat today, said, "Yamraj, Maut Ka Saudagar, Ravan, Gandi Nali Ka Keeda, Monkey, Rabies Victim, Virus, Bhasmasur, Gangu Teli, Goon. These are some words or phrases the Congress has used for PM Modi in the past. Not much has changed. We wish them well. We will continue to serve 125 crore Indians."
The Prime Minister's comments came after Mani Shankar Aiyar earlier in the day called him a "neech aadmi".
The Prime Minister said that nothing can stop him from giving back to the poor what belongs to them.
"I beg to the people of India- please let them be. Let them keep calling me 'Neech' we will not respond. In our hearts we do not have this mindset and want to congratulate them for theirs. If anything- we will answer them for their mindset by our votes on 9th and 14th" he said.
"They can call me 'Neech'- Yes, I am from the poor section of society and will spend every moment of my life to work for the poor, Dalits, Tribals and OBC communities. They can keep their language we will do our work" the Prime Minister said, keeping up his attack on the Congress.
"You all have seen me- I have been CM and PM. Has anyone had to hold his or her head in shame due to me. Have I done any shameful thing. Them why are they calling me 'Neech'" he said.
"I have nothing to say on a 'wise' Congress leader calling me 'Neech'. This is the Congress mindset. They have their language and we have our work. People will answer them through the ballot box." Prime Minister Narendra Modi said.
"I have nothing to say on a 'wise' Congress leader calling me 'Neech'. This is the Congress mindset. They have their language and we have our work. People will answer them through the ballot box." Prime Minister Narendra Modi said.
"Congress leaders are speaking in a language that is not acceptable in democracy. One Congress leader, who has studied in best institutions, served as a diplomat, was a Minister in Cabinet, he said Modi is 'Neech.' This is insulting. This is nothing but a Mughalai Mindset" the Prime Minister said, attacking the opposition party.
"This Mughlai Mindset sees everyone but prices as 'Neech.' What all have they called us- donkeys, Neech, Gandi Naali Ke Keede...the people of Gujarat will give a fitting answer to such deplorable language" he added.
PM Modi said that the BJP government has helped the textile sector and the diamond industry in Surat through friendly policies.
"People did not get continuous electricity. When the BJP got to serve Gujarat we ensured continuous power. The demand for Surat was long pending and it is the BJP that has worked on this" the Prime Minister told the people at the rally. "We have provided relief to those who want to buy/ make their own homes. Why should every Indian not own a home" he added.
"See the Surat before Kashiram Bhai Rana became the Mayor of this city. And since Kashiram Bhai, and during the BJP Governments in Gujarat see the transformation of Surat" PM Modi said.
PM Modi said he is accountable to the 125 crore people of India as they put their faith in him.
"Our agenda is development. Some are asking me- Modi Ji what did you do. Sadly for them, the people are asking them- how did you rule the nation for over fifty years" the Prime Minister said.
"We had cancelled this rally due to the cyclone conditions but the people of Surat said you have to come today so, as campaign ends I am here among the people of Surat," PM Modi said.
PM Modi is speaking at a rally in Surat.
PM Narendra Modi has reached the venue of the public rally in Surat.
In the last stages of the campaign, the Ram temple issue is at the fore with PM Modi attacking Congress leader Kapil Sibal yesterday for his petition to the Supreme Court to defer hearing on the Ranmjanmabhoomi- Babri Masjid dispute to after the 2019 elections.
The prime minister will connect with the party workers on their mobile phones through the "audio bridge" technology and directly interact with the divisional heads of the party's SC and ST units in the state.
On Diwali, PM Modi had extended his greetings to around 23,000 BJP workers in Gujarat through tele-conferencing. He had also spoken to around 2,000 party workers in his Parliamentary constituency, Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh, using the same technology.
About 10,000 workers of the party would directly attend PM Modi's call, the BJP said in a statement on Wednesday.