Modi links FDI decision with Sonia's US visit

BJP leader and Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi Friday launched a sharp attack on the UPA government, accusing Prime Minister Manmohan Singh of working for the benefit of "foreigners".

Taking a jibe at the prime minister, Modi compared him to a Hindi film character "Singham", asking as to why he became bold only to benefit foreign countries.

"Mr prime minister, the country wants to know. In eight years, you have become 'Singham' twice -- once when there was the nuclear treaty with the US, and the second time on the FDI issue," Modi said.

"Both the instances benefit foreigners. Why doesn't he become 'Singham' for India," he said.

Modi also said that on both occasions, elections were about to be held in the United States.

"What is the reason behind the PM becoming active when there are polls in the US? Is there a connection," he said.

Modi also attacked Congress president Sonia Gandhi, questioning if her recent visit to the United States had an effect on the decision.

"Did Soniaji's trip to the US affect the decision on FDI," he said.

According to Congress spokespersons, Gandhi was in the US for a week in the beginning of the month for a health check-up. She had undergone surgery for an undisclosed ailment in the US last year.

Modi went ahead to allege that Gandhi had a hand in the alleged irregularities in the coal block allocations.

"An English newspaper had a report that prime minister had said that Ahmed Patel had a role in coal allocations. It seems the Congress president has a role in all the scams," Modi said.

Modi also questioned why the prime minister wanted FDI in retail, while US President Barack Obama was advocating small retailers.

"Obama tweeted that US citizens should buy from small shopkeepers and not from malls. Mr prime minister, why can't you see the position they are taking," he said.