Congress has record of toppling maximum state governments: Rajnath Singh

Singh was addressing a press conference at BJP state media centre in Ahmedabad, Gujarat.

"Congress party has highest record of toppling the elected state governments in the country. So far, the President's rule has been imposed 132 times in the country under Article 356, and out of that 90 times, it was imposed by Congress. Indira Gandhi alone has a record of toppling half a century (50) governments. Can anyone name a single elected government toppled by PM Modi? Not even one," he said.

Singh attacked Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for his remark that "Rajas and Maharajas used to take away lands" and said the Wayanad MP remains silent on Muslim rulers.

"Rahul has no knowledge of history. After independence, when princely estates were being merged with India, Raja Maharajas agreed to it and got merged. It was only Junagarh, Bhopal, and Hyderabad whose merger into India happened only after intervention of Sardar Valabh Bhai," he added.

Accusing the party of indulging in "corruption in every sphere", the Defence Minister said that during 10-year UPA rule, the "Olympics of corruption was being played" and Congress was its organiser.

"It was the Congress party that murdered democracy by imposing emergency. If the fundamental rights of common citizens have been suspended, it was during the rule of Congress," he stated.

On being asked about Congress' criticism of BJP candidate Mukesh Dalal winning from Surat unopposed, the Defence Minister pointed out that it had happened in the past as well, and majority of time, it was under Congress.

"28 MPs have been elected unopposed in Lok Sabha in the past, out of which 20 are from Congress. Two each from SP and NC and one independent MP have been elected unopposed to Lok Sabha. The rest were from other parties. Was democracy safe then?" he said.

Further, he added that the BJP's Sankalp Patra is a guarantee of building a new, strong, and developed India, whereas Congress's manifesto is "divisive and inspired by appeasement."

He also exuded confidence that Prime Minister Narendra Modi would be sworn in as the PM for the third time and that the election will be a strong proof of the strength and credibility of Indian democracy.

Referring to PM Modi, Singh said, "A person born in a poor family, who had nothing, with his immense ability and talent, he will soon be the Prime Minister of the country for the third time. This is the strength of Indian democracy...this election is going to be an irrefutable proof of the strength and credibility of Indian democracy." (ANI)