Modi creates controversy over Lord Rama reference

Reports said EC has sought a report on the use of religious symbol.

Modi referring to Gandhiji said the best rule is the rule of Lord Rama or a Ram Rajya, but immediately created a row since no religious symbols can be used in political rallies as per the Election Commission (EC) strictures.

"I promise on this land of Lord Ram that I will fight corruption all my life. I want a Lotus from this land of Shri Ram," said Modi as he used the name of Lord Rama with an image of the Hindu god at the backdrop.

Opposition parties hit back over his reference to Rama. Congress leader and union minister Kapil Sibal said the BJP uses religion whenever it is required for votes.

Faizabad is close to Ayodha and is a twin city of the latter. Ayodhya, considered the birthplace of Lord Rama and where the disputed Babri structure was demolished by Hindu kar sevaks in Dec 1992, is only 5 km away. 

Speaking at the rally, Modi said the present miserable condition of UP is due to Congress, SP and BSP. He talked about need of unity so that vote bank politics can be rooted out.

Modi asked people to help him root out corruption as  said that is the reason why there is rampant poverty in India. He talked about how SP and BSP help Congress when in need and how Congress helps SP and BSP.

"Who is saving Netaji and Behenji from CBI? This 'I will save you, you save me' is the drama they do: Narendra Modi on SP, BSP and Congress'," he said.

"In this land, where only the truth is spoken I want to ask what did this betrayers do," said Modi on the rivals.

Modi asked why people need to keep guns while police is there to guard people. He said people need guns to protect themselves as law and order situation is not good. 

"We will not allow our farmer to die. We are committed to the wellbeing of our farmers. Farmers will no longer be looted," said Modi.

He said had Sardar Patel become the PM of India things would have been very different. "One family has repeatedly insulted him," he said without naming the Gandhis.

"Say goodbye to those who are only bothered about settling scores with each other. We want to fulfil dreams of people," he said.

Modi concluded by seeking lots of vote for BJP for him to form a strong government at Delhi. He urged all to vote for strong government at the center and so he give a strong nation.