Pitroda rubbishes NDA

Rubbishing NDA's claim that the work done in the last five years was much more than what Congress had done in past 50 years, World Tel chief said "several freedom fighters and PMs have contributed to nation-building".

Rubbishing NDA's claim that development work done in the last five years was much more than what Congress had done in the past 50 years, World Tel chief Sam Pitroda today said "several freedom fighters and Prime Ministers have contributed to nation-building".

Addressing mediapersons as part of his campaign for the Congress, Pitroda, a renowned telecommunication expert and former advisor to former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi said, "I have returned 20 years later after hearing lies being propagated again and again by BJP that it is they who shaped the nation. No country can sleep for 50 years."

"It (development of the nation) has been the effort of several freedom fighters and the subsequent Prime Ministers after independence who have contributed to building the nation and not one party alone," Pitroda said.

Seeking youth leadership for the country, Pitroda decried `Indian Shining' campaign by NDA and BJP and said, "India had been and will continue to shine for ever."

"This is a very crucial election. Close to 25 million first-time voters will exercise their franchise and decide on a leadership," Pitroda said.

Commenting on the 'foreign origin' issue of Sonia Gandhi raked by BJP during poll campaigning, Pitroda said: "It is sad that in a country of billion people, the hot topic of debate during such a crucial election is the personality of two persons instead of more important issues."