Khariar road (Orissa): Deputy Prime Minister Lal Krishna Advani today said if India's progress had been impeded it was because of the 48 years of Congress "misrule".

"The Congress has to be held responsible and put in the dock for this," Advani, whose 'Bharat Uday Yatra' entered Orissa at the Jonk river bridge, two km from Khariar road, told an election meeting.

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Advani said that the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) Government, led by Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee, was making a "honest attempt" to ensure progress in all fields with special emphasis on rural development and health care.

"During Vajpayee's six year rule, the country's prestige had gone up and it had generated a new hope and confidence in the people, he said.

"Isliye hum kehte hain ki aaj bharat chamak raha hai... main isi din ki intzaar kar raha hun jisi din main dawa kar sakun ki bharat chamak gaya hai (This is why we are saying that India is shining, but I am waiting for the day when I can say that India has shone completely)," he said.

Advani said that his yatra, which entered the 31st day today, had evoked a "strong goodwill" from the people.