Shimla: In a scathing attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its allies, Congress president Sonia Gandhi on February 22 accused them of creating "social divide" and "destroying" the rich culture and social values of the nation.

Addressing an election rally at the historic Ridge Maidan, she said the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government at the Centre has shattered the dreams of freedom fighters.

"The BJP-led government has broken all records of corruption and it has become difficult to count the scams and scandals under them," she alleged.

As a responsible Opposition party, Congress was discharging its duty by pointing out shortcomings of the government but instead of taking corrective steps, the BJP was levelling baseless allegations, Gandhi alleged.

She accused the BJP of violating all norms and traditions "while leaving no stone unturned to malign and denigrate former Prime Ministers Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi. But the country continues to love and respect them because of their works and affection for the people", she added.

PTI