Kushti in Kerala, dosti in Tripura: Modi mocks CPI(M)-Cong alliance

Agartala: Prime Minister Narendra Modi mocked the CPI(M)-Congress alliance in Tripura, saying that the duo fight 'kushti' (wrestling) in Kerala and 'dosti' (friendship) in the northeastern state, PTI reported.

Modi said that there are other parties who back the alliance in Tripura, where elections are around. He claimed that any vote for the said alliance will push the state backwards for several years.

Addressing an election rally in Radhakishorepur in Gomati district, the PM said, "Old players of misgovernance have joined hands for 'chanda' (donation). Those fighting 'kushti' (wrestling) in Kerala have done 'dosti' (friendship) in Tripura."

"The opposition wants to divide the votes. Some small 'vote-cutter' parties are waiting for the election results, hoping to get their price. Those out with dreams of horse trading, lock them in their homes now itself," he said.

Earlier on the day, he told a rally in Ambassa in the Dhalai district that the Left and Congress governments created division among tribals while the BJP worked to resolve their issues.

He claimed, "The BJP is working for the upliftment of tribals across India. We have rehabilitated in Tripura with over 37,000 Brus displaced from Mizoram. Our government has introduced the tribal language Kokborok in higher education."

Modi further stated that the BJP-led Centre allocated Rs 1 lakh crore for the development of tribal areas.

He appealed to the people of the state to vote for the "double-engine" government and added, "Beware of the double-edged sword of Congress and Left, they want to stop all schemes that benefit the people."

"The two parties want the poor to remain poor. They have countless slogans for the poor but have never understood or addressed their pain," the PM said.