Everyone aware of Sonia's love for National Herald: Shah

“Soniaji, everyone in this country is aware of your 'desh prem' (patriotism) and 'putra prem' (your love for your son), your National Herald prem' (your love for National Herald).

"The nation is also aware of various other scams including 2G, 3G, Adarsh scam, CWG and AgustaWestland," Shah said at a rally in a bid to counter Gandhi's emotional speech in Thiruvananthapuram yesterday, wherein she attacked BJP and Prime Minister Narendra Modi for taking jibes at her Italian roots.

"Yesterday, Soniaji came to Kerala and said allegations were leveled against her. Humne to kisi par aarop nahi lagaya (we have not made any allegations against anybody). We said bribe takers in the chopper deal will be punished.

"Soniaji aap batiyae, aapko dar kyon lag raha hai. (Soniaji tell us why are you scared). Dal mein kuch kala nazar aa raha hai (There is something fishy)," he said.

"There is corruption everywhere. The 10-year UPA rule resulted in scams totaling 12 lakh crore rupees but Sonia Gandhi ji talks about her love for the nation in Kerala," he said.

At a press meet in Thiruvananthapuram, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari said, "Neither the Prime Minister nor BJP has targeted and leveled corruption charges against Gandhi...I do not know what is the reason, when there are charges of corruption, they always use emotional politics. It is an old practice of Congress for many years."

He said when charges of corruption are leveled against Congress, the party sheds tears.

Gandhi while addressing an election meeting here last night had said India is her home and "it is here that my ashes will mingle with my loved ones".

The Congress President used an election rally here to hit back at Modi after the Prime Minister raked up the issue of her Italian roots twice in the last three days while making a veiled attack against her over the controversial AgustaWestland chopper deal.

• Amit Shah
• National Herald
• Sonia Gandhi
• Kerala Polls