Akola (M'rashtra): Former Deputy Prime Minister Lal Krishna Advani has charged the Congress-led DF (Democratic Front) Government with having ruined the developed Maharashtra State.

Addressing a public meeting for saffron alliance candidates in adjoining Washim district in Akola yesterday (Oct 9, 2004), he said that "more than 500 farmers committed suicide in the Congress tenure due to anti-farmer policies of the Government."

He also held State Government responsible for the "death of tribal children due to malnutrition" and wrong policies which forced the industrialists to shut shop.

The senior BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party) leader claimed that the State during the saffron combine rule had made all round development but the Congress coalition brought all development work to a halt thus affecting its progress.

"Various industries closed down and Maharashtra was thrown to seventh place in the most developed State list," he said.

Advani said that Congress president Sonia Gandhi during her campaign has not said anything about party's stand on separate Vidarbha State.