BJP hits out at Rahul Gandhi for 'poison' remark

Hitting out at Rahul Gandhi for his remarks against the Prime Minister on "Swachh Bharat", Union Minister and senior BJP leader Venkaiah Naidu on Thursday said it was Congress which had exploited the people on every plank like caste and creed.

At a party function at Delhi on the eve of the 125th birth anniversary of Nehru, the Congress Vice-President had said, "These days, the foundation of love and brotherhood is being demolished. On one hand houses are being painted and roads are being cleaned. Photo opportunities are happening. Snaps are being taken. On the other hand, poison is being spread. The very foundations are being weakened."

Joining issue, Nadu said, "You have exploited (the people) all these years through politics of region, sex, caste, creed and religion...and you have poll results to see...you criticize us?"

"We work for the entire country irrespective of caste, creed and region and we believe India is one," he said. Slamming Congress for not inviting the Prime Minister for the Nehru anniversary function, he said the "loss was not to Modi but to the Congress".

Alleging that Congress was using the function to further its political agenda by inviting BJP's political rivals to it, he said it will not help improve its lot.

"Congress should see the mandate, its message and analyse and try to behave," he said.