Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi and BJP leader Nearendra Modi today indulged in war of words over the legacy of Sardar Vallabhai Patel. Addressing a public meeting in Bardoli n the home state of Modi, Rahul Gandhi said Modi represents RSS ideology, which killed Mahatma Gandhi. He said Modi is constructing a massive statue of Sardar Patel but the Iron Man of India had described the RSS ideology as poisonous. He said Patel also represented Congress thought which Modi wants to erase from the country.

Targeting Modi's governance, he highlighted the problems faced by various sections, including farmers in Gujarat. In an attempt at damage control over the 'chai wala' barb by his party colleague Mani Shankar Aiyar, Rahul Gandhi said people from all professions, including tea vendors should be respected except those who make fool of others.

Addressing a rally in Guwahati today,Narendra Modi said Congress' focus on one family has left the party unable to recognise other leaders like Sardar Patel and Gopinath Bordoloi. He alleged that Congress is not ready to recognise the contributions of Patel. He said due to lack of leadership and policy, the Eastern parts of the country remained backward in comparison to Western states, despite the Prime Minister representing the state in Upper House for the last 23 years.

Congress, however, rejected Narendra Modi's allegation of no development in Norht Eastern region. Responding to Modi's allegations Union Minister of State forInformation and Broadcasting Manish Tiwar said the BJP leader should stop worrying about the region and challenged him for an open debate on Gujarat's development during his tenure.