Modi equates Rahul's coronation to Aurangzeb's accession to Mughal throne

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday quoted senior Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar to compare democracy within the party to the Mughal rule, especially on the issue of transfer of power.

Speaking at a rally at Dharampur in south Gujarat, Modi said: "A senior Congress leader, Mani Shankar Aiyar, who had a lot of things to say to me in the past said, 'Were elections held when Shahjahan replaced Jehangir or Aurangzeb replaced Shahjahan? It is understood that the son will take over the reins.' Now even the Congress leaders accept that the Congress is a family and not a party. Let them have this kind of Aurangzeb rule."

"One who is facing corruption charges and is out on bail is being propped up as president of the party. This is the kind of culture they have. It shows that the Congress is doomed," Modi said.

Speaking on Rahul's temple-hopping spree, Modi said that there was a time when people competed to prove their "secular" credentials but not anymore.

"Over the years they alleged that the BJP was anti-Muslim. This time, not once have they said anything like that. It shows that even the Congress has accepted that they used to propagate such information to polarise minority votes. Even Muslims have seen through their true nature," he added.

The prime minister, who is on the final day of his two-day visit to Gujarat, will address four rallies, at Jamnagar, Junagadh, Bhavnagar and Dharampur.

Polling will be held in the first phase on December 9 in these places.

Modi will again visit the state for three days on December 6, 8 and 9, covering south and central Gujarat, as well as Saurashtra.

Rahul will be in the state on December 5 and 6.