BSP attacking Rahul Gandhi due to his growing popularity: Congress

Jhansi, Feb 21 (ANI): Congress leader Rita Bahuguna Joshi has accused the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) of attacking Rahul Gandhi to neutralise his growing popularity.

"The Uttar Pradesh government has been targeting Rahul Gandhi and creating problems whenever he visits the state. The state government led by Mayawati is petrified by the growing popularity of Rahulji and envies his association with the common man in the state," Joshi told media after an FIR filed against Gandhi for violating the Model Code of Conduct during a road show in Kanpur

Congress spokesperson Rashid Alvi said only his party is capable of boosting development and growth in the state.

"In the last 22 years, there has been no progress in Uttar Pradesh. There is no provision for electricity or portable drinking water for the residents of the state. It is a very sad state of affairs. Poor people in the state do not have access to adequate food and roads. Crime and corruption in the state is at an all time high," he said..

"The only way to get rid of all this is to bring the Congress party to power. I appeal you to rise above caste and community and vote for us so that we can lead the state on a path of development," he added.

The Uttar Pradesh polls are being viewed as an opportunity for major political parties to re-establish their foothold in the country's fifth largest and most populous state. new 403-member state assembly will be elected in March. The poll results will broadly indicate trends for the 2014 general elections. (ANI)