In Maha, Modi takes on Cong over 'divisive ploy'

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday stepped up his attack on the Congress in poll-bound Maharashtra, accusing the party of insulting the Constitution, trying to divide society on caste lines, and indulging in rampant corruption.

- Pradip Kumar Maitra and Faisal Malik

Addressing a large gathering in the Akola district of Vidarbha region, the PM accused the Congress of using the Constitution to merely meet its political goals.

"Congress people are showing a red book labelled 'Constitution of India' with blank pages inside. This is a testament to their disregard and hatred for Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar. The entire country is shocked at their political ploy," he said.

The Congress has pitched recent elections as a battle to safeguard the Constitution, with its leader Rahul Gandhi carrying a copy of the Constitution at different rallies. However, a political row erupted earlier in the week after the BJP alleged that the Congress distributed a blank book with "Constitution of India" written on the front, a charge rejected by the Opposition party.

"They hate Babasaheb because he was a Dalit and because he got credit for drafting the Constitution. Babasaheb is an inspiration for me, the BJP, and my government. Our government has developed places attached to his legacy," Modi said.