Modi govt protecting corrupts, punishing innocents: Sonia

Taking on Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi, Congress President Sonia Gandhi while addressing a rally in Kalol said that the state government is misleading the people of Gujarat in the name of development.

Also read: Gujarat vote: First step to Modi-Gandhi face-off?

Sonia, who kick-started her campaign for the second phase of polling, referred to Modi's remark on Sir Creek and said that it should not be handed over to Pakistan. Sonia said that the UPA government will not compromise on national security and integrity of the country. "We will not anyone play with the security and integrity of our country. Our leaders have sacrificed their lives for the country."

Intensifying the campaign for Gujarat, the UPA chief on Friday said that BJP is against her party and its leaders. "The Opposition puts baseless allegations on our government. The Centre funds are being misused. They are being diverted for the benefit of a few businesses and people close to the state government," said Sonia.

Batting for her party, Sonia added that the UPA government brought measures for children's education and scholarships for girls. "We have taken many historic and progressive policies in the center Like RTI, MNREGA, loan waiver for farmers," said Sonia.

She also hit back at Modi and asked him to stop politics over national security issues. She added that unemployment is high in the state and there are reports of corruption in state.