Cong stood in way of India shining: DPM

DPM L.K. Advani today said if India’s progress had been impeded it was because of the 48 years of Congress ‘‘misrule’&#1...

DPM L.K. Advani today said if India’s progress had been impeded it was because of the 48 years of Congress ‘‘misrule’’. ‘‘The Congress has to be held responsible and put in the dock for this,’’ Advani, whose Bharat Uday Yatra entered Orissa, told an election meeting.

The NDA government, led by PM Vajpayee, was making an ‘‘honest attempt’’ to ensure progress in all fields with special emphasis on rural development and healthcare, Advani said. ‘‘During Vajpayee’s six-year rule, the country’s prestige had gone up and it had generated new hope and confidence in the people,’’ he said.

width="1px" height="1px" style="display:none;">

‘‘Isliye hum kehte hain ki aaj Bharat chamak raha hai… Main isi din ka intezaar kar raha hun jis din main dawa kar sakun ki Bharat chamak gaya hai (This is why we are saying that India is shining, but I am waiting for the day when I can say that India has shone),’’ he said.

Story continues below this ad

The DPM said the government had fixed a target to ensure education, drinking water, healthcare, roads and water for irrigation by 2020 for everyone. ‘‘It’s a big challenge and the government is committed to it,’’ he said.

Orissa Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik and BJP state president Manmohan Samal were present at the Jonk river bridge to welcome Advani into the state. Advani would spend three days in Orissa on the last leg of his 8,000 km yatra through the country before ending the journey at Puri on Wednesday.

BJP candidate for Bolangir LS seat Sangeeta Singh Deo and party nominee for Nuapada Assembly seat Basanta Kumar Panda were also present.