BJP has always divided the country: Manmohan Singh in Uttar Pradesh

Pilibhit: Hitting the campaign trail in Uttar Pradesh, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Saturday made a scathing attack on BJP by describing its ideology as against the composite culture of the state and said the party had always “divided the country.”

“BJP leaders want to give a turn to the Lok Sabha elections on communal issues, but we all need to give more emphasis on national issues. This time the big national issue is whether the country should have a government led by a party which has always divided the country,” Dr. Singh said while addressing an election rally in favour of his party candidate here, sitting MLA Sanjay Kapoor.

Referring to the controversial statement by BJP leader Amit Shah asking voters to avenge Muzaffarnagar riots, the Prime Minister said, “You have heard the speech of one of the BJP leaders. The question before you today is whether you will tolerate it and till when. Uttar Pradesh is known for its mixed culture and there is a tradition of respecting each others religion, and I want to tell you that BJP’s ideology and works are against this ‘ganga-jamuni tehzib’ (composite culture)”.

“Uttar Pradesh has always been politically important, and this time also the Lok Sabha results in the state would decide who would form the government at the Centre,” Dr. Singh said.

Attacking BJP over the delay in the issue of its manifesto, Dr. Singh said, “BJP released its manifesto on the day when polling had already started in some states. This proves that they are not serious about putting up their policies before the people.

“BJP’s campaigning is centralised on one person. He is making promises which he will never be able to fulfil. Despite the passage of so many years, BJP’s manifesto has the same issues of Ram Temple and Article 370.” Dr. Singh said.