Launching a counter attack on BJP leader Narendra Modi for his criticism of the Congress, Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi on Sunday accused him of indulging in "vote bank politics through divisive policies of hatred and ill will".
Reacting to Modi's allegation at an election rally here that the Congress was pursuing vote bank politics, Gogoi said "on the contrary it is the BJP which is indulging in vote bank politics through its divisive policies of hatred and ill will".
"It is the BJP which has sowed seeds of discord among two communities by raking up the Ram-Janmabhumi issue and taking the lead in demolition of Babri Masjid," the chief minister said.
"The role of Modi in Gujurat riots will remain in the annals of our country's political history as the darkest chapter. Even the Supreme Court passed strictures against the Modi government and hauled ministers and officials for their role in the communal riots," he said.
Taking a dig at the regional Asom Gana Parishad (AGP), which has electoral understanding with BJP, the chief minister said, "it was unfortunate that the party which takes pride of the state's rich ethos have joined hands with Modi."