New Delhi: Stating that the country was at a crossroads, on Monday asked people to choose the path of progress and shun the one propagated by where only caste and religious identity will matter.

The Congress president said that the BJP claims only their followers are patriot while rest are not. "They claim that you will be 'desh bhakt' (patriot) only if you go by their ideology," she said.

In a televised addressed address to nation, the Congress leader said BJP was doing propaganda as if Congress has not done anything since Independence.

"They (BJP) consider you (voters) 'nasamajh' (ignorant), they do not know probably the truth that country has made enormous progress and development in all fields which are known to you people," she said.

Taking on BJP leader she wondered if he has got some magic wand to change the condition of the country within days.

"Our Opposition party's is claiming, if he comes to power, India would become a heaven," Gandhi said.

"I do not know what kind of magic wand he (Modi) has got... it is apparent, it is easy to rule one state and it is different thing to rule a massive country like India," she said.

"To rule the entire nation, one needs hard work, honesty, dedication, kindness and a transparent heart," she said, adding in elections every party has the right to campaign in its own way.

Referring to the present political scenario, Gandhi said, "today our nation is standing on a 'do raha' (crossroads) that will take you to different direction.

"On one side, there is Congress believing in economic progress, work and thinks of poor, Dalit, labourers, and middle class.

"On the other hand there is a political party (BJP) that drives a man towards a route where individual's qualification and identity would not matter. And he would be known by his caste, religion or a particular group," she said.

Making an appeal for Congress' candidates in Lok Sabha polls, she said, "You have to take a decision to choose one path...I am sure you would not choose the wrong way.... choose Congress' path of development and progress of nation."