New Delhi [India], Sept 24 (ANI): The Congress Party on Sunday castigated Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'Mann Ki Baat' address and his emphasis on empowering the common man asserting that the track record from the past three years shows that they were the worst affected under the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) regime.

"While the notion of keeping Mann Ki Baat away from politics is justifiable, the Prime Minister needs to keep track of what really is happening in the country. There is rampant unemployment, the poor have been worst affected in the last three years. On top of this, the sudden surge in fuel prices has also come as a shocker. Politics is all about the common man, but the truth is that nothing has happened for their betterment, they are still suffering. The people will reply to him when the time comes," Congress leader Ashwani Kumar told ANI.

Supporting the stance, Congress leader Sandeep Dikshit tore into the flagship 'Swacchta Hi Seva' drive, stating that no cleanliness can be found anywhere in the streets and roads.

"The Prime Minister had said that this program voiced the concerns of the people. However, this is not the case. It is being used an advertising portal rather than speaking about issues that are relevant. I would request the Prime Minister to go ask the people about their concerns, because theyr are deeply hurt and angered by the current situation," he said.

Further, Dikshit while referring to the Khadi drive stated that Prime Minister Modi cannot take credit for something which has been prevalent in the country even before independence.

He also accused the government of 'destroying' the situation of tourism in Jammu and Kashmir, which flourished under the governance of Omar Abdullah.

Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Modi while delivering the 36th edition of his monthly radio address to the nation said he has tried to keep the common man as the focus in Mann Ki Baat and kept it away from politics, adding that it has given him a wonderful opportunity to connect with the positivity and sentiments of people.

Prime Minister Modi also asked people to share their views, ideas and suggestions on the Narendra Modi App and My Gov Open Forum.

Mann Ki Baat is an apolitical and interactive broadcast focusing on welfare and well-being of the people. (ANI)


This story has not been edited. It has been published as provided by ANI