Staff Reporter

— Photo: A. Shaikmohideen

development, his message: Gujarat Chief Minister Narendar Modi with Pon. Radhakrishnan, BJP candidate for Kanyakumari, at an election meeting in Nagercoil on Saturday.

Addressing a public meeting here on Saturday, Mr. Modi said there were over 49 fishing harbours constructed for the benefit of fishermen.

The prices of essential commodities were skyrocketing and the United Progressive Alliance was only interested in retaining power at the Centre. If the BJP came to power at the Centre, the welfare of the people would be safeguarded, he said.

When Gujarat recorded 10 per cent growth in all fields, particularly agriculture, Tamil Nadu could achieve only 2 per cent in developmental activities, he claimed. The DMK chief, M. Karunanidhi, was only concerned about welfare of family members and not about the welfare of people of the State. The southern and northern areas of the State were handed over to his (M.Karunanidhi) sons, he alleged. He appealed to the people to cast their votes in favour of BJP candidate Pon. Radhakrishnan, who would dedicate his entire life for the development of the district.

Vote bank politics

Coimbatore Special Correspondent wirtes:

Mr. Modi called upon the people to reject vote bank politics and vote for a policy of development would include the welfare of all poor people, irrespective of religion. “The poor include Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, Christians and Parsis. It is the country’s responsibility to feel concerned for the poor.”

“The country is caught in vote bank politics that is weakening it from within. If you want a good and strong India for your children, help in removing vote bank politics,” he said.

Both the UPA and the Third Front had not yet stated clearly as to which were the parties that would constitute their respective alliances, he said.