New Delhi: Narendra Modi government's decision to go in a for a snap poll in Gujarat "is a part of vicious bid to exploit the communal divide" following violent disturbances there, the Congress asserted on July 19, expressing confidence that the people of the state would reject "these devilish designs".

Reacting to the Gujarat Cabinet's recommendation for dissolution of the state Assembly, party spokesman S Jaipal Reddy said the state must be brought under President's rule for free and fair elections.

This was a "fraud played on the Constitution by denying six-month notice to the Election Commission", Reddy said.

"Modi has an image of a communal villain among the people of Gujarat and he cannot instil confidence among all sections," he said.

Pointing out that as many as three lakh refugees living in various camps are yet to be settled, Reddy said these people do not have identification papers.

"There is every danger of these people being disenfranchised," the Congress spokesman said, asking the Election Commission "to take all steps to see that their voting Rights were protected".

PTI