Amethi: Launching a scathing attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Rahul Gandhi today (Apr 10, 2004) said it was raking up the Bofors and foreign origin issues as its claims of "feel good" were not finding much response among the people.

BJP was also frustrated because of the growing support base of Congress and the tremendous response to his mother and Congress president Sonia Gandhi's road shows, Rahul, who is contesting Amethi Lok Sabha seat, said.

Elections 2004-The Drama unfolds...

"After finding that the feel good factor is not cutting much ice with the people, the BJP is trying to grab power by diverting the attention of the people by raking up the Bofors and the foreign origin issue," he said in an informal chat with reporters on the second day of his election campaign.

Rahul, however, said BJP would not succeed in its attempt, as it "stands exposed before the people of the country".

He said his father's name had been dragged in the Bofors case for the last 17 years, but his innocence was proved ultimately by the court. "The decision of the court to clear my father's name is not liked by the BJP."

"Sometimes my mother is called a foreigner and sometimes they call me a foreigner," Rahul said and asked, "Do I look like a foreigner?"

"My family is committed to serving the country...Patriotism is in my blood," he said and added, "Let them (BJP) say anything. We are not worried."

Earlier he addressed about a dozen meetings in the area where he promised to realise his father Rajiv Gandhi's dream of all round development of the constituency.