'Shun casteism' says PM Narendra Modi

Gorakhpur: Denouncing politics of casteism and nepotism, PM Narendra Modi yesterday pitched for a BJP government in Uttar Pradesh to promote politics of development but skipped any mention of the raging controversy surrounding Dalits.

"You (people) don't need those who play politics of casteism and nepotism. You have filled everyone's pocket but has your pocket been filled. My dear youths, nepotism and poison of casteism will not help in development. Support politics of ‘vikasvad' (development). I am here to urge you to bless me with your support as you have done earlier (in Lok Sabha polls)," he said at a public meeting in an apparent attack on the main opposition parties in the state without naming them.

Modi added, "There has been enough of family and caste politics. You supported everybody. But did they support you as well? Were youths and farmers benefited?" In a speech delivered after laying foundation stone for an AIIMS and revival of a sick fertiliser plant, Modi skipped any reference to the raging controversy stoked by one of his party leader's attack on Mayawati.