BJP, Narendra Modi are dividing India like the British: Rahul Gandhi

Nagaon: Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi accused the BJP and its prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi of instigating people to divide the country like the British.

In his fourth visit to the state for poll campaigning, the Congress leader blasted the BJP for allegedly "dividing the country like the British Raj" and talking about love and unity.

"Like the British Raj, the opposition and Modi also believe in the divide and rule policy. Modi goes to Maharashtra and instigates people there, women in Karnataka are beaten up," he asserted.

Continuing his tirade, Rahul said, "The opposition only criticises and never speaks good of anyone."

"We are not aggressive. We talk of love, brotherhood and unity. Like Sri Sankardeb (14th century socio-religious reformer) in Assam, Gandhiji worked for unity in the entire country," he said.

"India's strength is in unity among Hindus, Muslims, Christians, Sikh, Jains. India gets strength from it," Gandhi asserted.

Gandhi also accused BJP of paying "only lip service to women" and said its posters carried the picture of Narendra Modi even while speaking of strengthening women.

"BJP talks about strengthening women. I have seen their posters in Delhi talking about it but there is a photo of one man only... There is no photo of Sushmaji or other BJP women leaders... Only of one man," he told.

Continuing his criticism, Gandhi said, "BJP workers go to Mangalore and women are beaten up. In Madhya Pradesh a minister in the assembly says 20,000 women are missing. It is strange that the government does not have a clue where these women have disappeared.

"In Gujarat the entire police force and Intelligence are busy with phone tapping activities and chasing women."

Gandhi said if Congress returned to power this time, the first thing that would be done by them would be to pass the Women's Bill guaranteeing 33 per cent reservation for women in assembly and Parliament. "The Bill has been stalled by the opposition for a long time in Parliament."

The Congress if voted to power would also open 2,000 women police stations across the country for safety and security of women, besides introducing 25 per cent reservation for them in the police force.

Bank loans would also be provided to women to start their own business.

Referring to Assam, he said its biggest strength was its women. "You (Assam) respect your women, that is why Assam progresses. Women here run their homes, state and office. The future of Assam is bright."