BJP Prime Ministerial Candidate Narendra Modi has said that the Maoist's path of violence is not the road for any solution to people's problem. He described naxelism as a challenge to mainstream politics. Addressing an election rally at naxal affected Gumla in Jharkhand today, Modi said that the heavy attendance at the rally is the response of democracy to the cult of naxal violence.

Accusing the Congress of ignoring the development of tribals, Modi said that first Ministry for the tribals at the centre was created by the Atal Bihari Vajpayee government.

AIR Ranchi Correpondent reports that in today's speech at Gumla, Narendra Modi tried to connect with the tradition of revolutionary freedom fighters of the tribals and its present problems of drinking water and lack of development. Our correspondent adds that BJP in Jharkhand is hoping to ride on popularity of its Prime Ministerial candidate as it is going to polls all alone in the state.

Narendra Modi will address another rally at Chatra in Jharkhand, also a naxal affected area. The naxals have given one day Bharat bandh call today which has affected normal life in the state. Buses are not plying and other public road transport systems are also affected.

Naxals blew up two mobile towers in Gaya district last night, ahead of BJP election rallies at Sasaram and Gaya to be addresses by Narendra Modi this afternoon. AIR Patna correspondent reports that state police and paramilitary forces are taking necessary steps to counter any threat from the naxals.