Congress terms Advani's 'Jan Chetna Yatra' a gimmick

New Delhi, Oct 11 (ANI): Stating that Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Lal Krishna Advani was desperate to become the Prime Minister of the country, Congress leader Ashwani Kumar on Tuesday termed his 'Jan Chetna Yatra' a gimmick.

Ashwani Kumar also reminded Advani that his last 'Rath Yatra' divided the country on communal lines.

"What else can be expected from Advani Ji? His only aim in life is to become the Prime Minister. With all due respect I want to inform him that no matter how many 'Rath Yatras' you undertake, the people of this country know you very well now. On the issue of corruption, the only party, which is seriously tackling it, is the Congress," said Kumar.

"So, I want to tell Advani Ji that he should not try to mislead the people of this nation. I would respectfully tell him that your first 'Rath Yatra' divided this country and created a communal atmosphere. So, today please spare the countrymen," he added.

Advani began his 38-day 'Jan Chetna Yatra' from Bihar's Sitabdiara village to take on the UPA Government on the corruption issue and press for return of black money stashed away abroad.

Advani's much-hyped journey is going to encompass 23 states, four Union Territories, which will include 100 districts and 7600 kilometres.

The yatra will see Advani boarding 14 special aircraft and six helicopters. He has to visit a total of 46 places across the country. The 38-day long yatra will conclude in Delhi on November 20 in the form of a massive rally.

However, many political parties have claimed that Advani's procession was motivated by the upcoming general elections to be held in 2014.

Advani had organised a similar yatra in the 1990's, to mobilise support towards building a temple dedicated to Lord Rama in Ayodhya.

In 2004, he had taken out another chariot procession to reiterate the demand to build the Lord Rama temple in Ayodhya. (ANI)