MJ Akbar said people had not bought the charge of intolerance against the BJP (File Photo)
Terming as "fog" the allegation of Congress and Left that it is intolerant and divides people on communal lines, BJP today said people have not believed it and were clear about Prime Minister Narendra Modi's "development message".
"When the Opposition has nothing substantive to say, its only option is to create a false climate. I will even call it a fog," senior BJP leader and its national Spokesperson MJ Akbar told news agency PTI.
The Rajya Sabah member said people of the country have not believed it. "I think, it is absolutely preposterous that a canard like this is repeated," he said.
Mr Akbar, who was in Thiruvananthapuram for a seminar, said Prime Minister Narendra Modi was much focused, very dedicated and very sincere. "He is working for 18 hours a day on development and progress. Those who allege these things never hear what he says on development," he added.
Citing a recent survey by
The Economic Times, he said it stated that 86 per cent of the people were either "satisfied or very satisfied" with the economic development under the NDA government. A total of 62 per cent said more jobs have been created.
"Artificial" issues were being created by Congress because the party had become barren, both in ideas and ammunition, he charged.
Asked whether the PM Modi's development agenda would affect the current state assembly poll results, he said elections were fought on several issues and strong local matters.
But there was no doubt that the PM's "overwhelming stature as a national leader, who has captured the imagination of the people, would reflect (in the poll outcome)", he said.