Kullu: Congress president Sonia Gandhi on February 21 hit the campaign trail in Himachal Pradesh launching a scathing attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) saying terrorism is spreading and corruption has become rampant under its rule.

"The BJP had promised to free the country from hunger, fear and corruption. But the crime rate is increasing and terrorism is spreading under its rule. There is a spate of scandals and scams," Gandhi said addressing a massive rally at the temple town of Kullu.

"When we expose the scams like petrol pump, UTI (Unit Trust of India), Tehalka and Coffingate, they put the blame on Congress," she said.

"Nothing can be more ridiculous than the BJP raising the issue of corruption."

On BJP's claim of liberal financial aid provided to the state by the Centre, Gandhi said, "They are making tall claims ...there is something fishy (about the claims)...How come the state's debt burden increased phenomenally if their claims of liberal financial aid from the Centre is true? Why the common man and farmers are under heavy debt?"

"People are fed up with the false promises and claims of the BJP," Gandhi said, adding, "I have heard that there was corruption in recruitment in government jobs."

Stating that Himachal is bestowed with immense natural resources but it is not utilised to make the state prosperous, Gandhi promised that the Congress government would promote tourism and agro-based industries in the state.

"Jawaharlal Nehru created Himachal, Indira Gandhi gave statehood and Rajiv Gandhi contributed to its development," she added.

PTI