Narendra Modi is a 'demon', says Keshubhai

Surat: Continuing his tirade against Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi, dissident BJP leader Keshubhai Patel on Tuesday called him a "demon" who is responsible for the misery of common people of the state.

"Narendra Modi is a demon who is responsible for the misery of common people of Gujarat. As per our ancient tales, the life of demons used to be in some bird. To win the fight against such demons, the hero has to kill the bird. In the same way, Modi's life is in your votes. Do not give him vote and he will be finished," Patel said at a gathering here.

The former Chief Minister turned 84 on Tuesday and hundreds of people gathered in the city to celebrate the occasion.

The veteran BJP leader has already announced he will soon float a new party.

"Somebody gave me a suggestion that I should sit quietly at this age as I have achieved everything in my long political career. But I saw people are suffering and in these circumstances I cannot sit at home," Patel, who is leading the anti-Modi group within BJP, said while addressing a 'Parivartan Sammelan' in the city.

Anti-Modi leaders are organising 'Parivartan Sammelan' in the state to mobilise support for political change in Gujarat in coming assembly polls.

"Former Prime Minister AB Vajpayee had told Modi to follow `Rajdharma' (after 2002 riots). Looking at the situation in the state and suffering of people, I have come to the conclusion that I should follow `Praja dharma'," Patel said.

The veteran BJP leader has already announced he will soon float a new party and has received support of other Modi detractors like Kanshiram Rana, Fakir Vaghela, Suresh Mehta Nalin Bhatt and Gordhan Zadafia.

"When I was Chief Minister, the tax income revenue of Gujarat was Rs 7,000 crore. Today, the tax collection has gone up to Rs 50,000 crore. However, this government, instead of providing benefits to the poor and needy people, is favouring big industrial houses," Patel alleged.

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