Intolerance charge by Cong-Left against BJP a fog, says MJ Akbar

Thiruvananthapuram: Terming as "fog" the allegation of Congress and Left that it is "intolerant and divides people on communal lines", BJP on Friday said people have not believed it and were clear about Prime Minister Narendra Modi's "development message".

"When the Opposition has nothing substantive to say, its only option is to create a false climate. I will even call it a fog," senior BJP leader and its national Spokesperson M J Akbar told PTI here.

The Rajya Sabha member said people of the country have not believed it and "I think, it is absolutely preposterous that a canard like this is repeated".

"Unfortunately, Congress is being led or misled by petty politics...People are clear about the development message of Prime Minister Narendra Modi," he said.

Akbar, who was here in connection with a seminar, said the PM was much focused, very dedicated and very sincere.

"He is working for 18 hours a day on development and progress. Those who allege these things never hear what he says on development," he added.

Citing a recent survey carried in an English daily, he said it stated that 86 percent of the people were either "satisfied or very satisfied" with the economic development under the NDA government. A total of 62 percent said more jobs have been created.

"Artificial" issues were being created by Congress because the party had become barren, both in ideas and ammunition, he charged.

Asked whether the PM's development agenda would affect the current state assembly poll results, he said elections were fought on several issues and strong local matters.

But there was no doubt that the PM's "overwhelming stature as a national leader, who has captured the imagination of the people, would reflect (in the poll outcome)", he said.