Mumbai / PM Modi attacks Sharad Pawar, says NCP chief not contesting polls as party slipping from his grip

WARDHA: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday targeted NCP chief Sharad Pawar, saying there was infighting in his party, which was slipping from his control.

Launching the BJP-Shiv Sena alliance's poll campaign in Maharashtra at a public rally here, Modi said Pawar decided not to contest the upcoming Lok Sabha polls after realising that the situation was not in his favour.

"Pawar decided against contesting the polls sensing unfavourable situation. There is infighting in the NCP, the party is slipping from Pawar's grip," he said.

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Blasting the opposition parties over their criticism of the NDA government after the air strike on terror camps in Pakistan following the Pulwama attack, he asked people if they wanted India's heroes or those who became heroes in the neighbouring country.

He also accused the Congress of labelling the "peace-loving" Hindu society as terrorists.

Modi said the Congress was scared of fielding candidates in the seats dominated by the majority population.

"Leaders of that party are now scared of contesting from constituencies dominated by majority (Hindu) population," Modi said.

His barb was apparently directed at Congress chief Rahul Gandhi, who will be contesting the Lok Sabha polls from Wayanad constituency in Kerala, besides Amethi in Uttar Pradesh.

"Congress used the term 'Hindu terror'. It labelled the peace-loving Hindus as terrorists. Is there a single incident of Hindu terrorism?" Modi said.

"Congress insulted Hindus. People have decided to punish it in election. Hence, it is scared of fielding candidate from constituencies dominated by majority population," Modi added.

Hitting out at the Congress over the 'chowkidar of toilets' remark, Modi said, "Your abuse is an ornament for me." 

He also congratulated ISRO scientists on the successful launch of EMISAT satellite onboard polar rocket PSLV-C45 from Sriharikota.