Inputs from agencies

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday promised to make Goa India's most "comfortable" state, if its voters give the BJP a "comfortable" majority in the upcoming assembly polls The PM also hit out at opposition parties, saying some of them had already accepted defeat in the upcoming polls, and were now searching for excuses.He dared the Opposition to fight the polls on the development plank, instead of raking up minor issues like the advancement of the Union budget and election dates."The Opposition parties are working overtime, more than the efforts put in by Finance Minister to prepare the Budget, to criticise the advancement of the budget date. It is an indication that these parties have accepted defeat in the forthcoming polls," he said at a rally in Goa's capital Panaji."Some parties have already consulted economists and intellectuals requesting them to prepare a draft against the Budget, even before it is presented on the floor of parliament...Their draft is getting ready although they don't even know what will be presented in the Budget," Modi said.In an apparent dig at the Aam Aadmi Party, Modi said "I read a statement by one of the political parties. They were expressing surprise that elections for Punjab and Goa are being held on the same day - February 4.""The opposition parties have began alleging that PMO had pressurised the Election Commission to have polls in both the states on the same day. This means they are seeking reasons to justify their defeat. Once they are defeated they will say the Election Commission gave a wrong date," he said."Do you think that elections should be fought on such issues? If you don't have faith in the umpire why do you even come to the playfield? This is democracy and we will have to accept the systems and bestow trust on it," he added.Modi promised that the Centre will work "shoulder to shoulder" with the Goa government for the state's development. He said the BJP will create the best infrastructure in Goa for tourists as well as locals."My government in New Delhi has given more to Goa in last 25 months than what the state received from the Centre in last 50 years. There have been some facilities provided, such as visa on arrival, and Goa is a major beneficiary of such facilities," he said."With minimum investment, tourism sector can prosper. Tourism also helps a cross-section of the society by creating jobs."The PM also criticized the previous UPA government at the Centre."In the 10-year rule (of UPA government) there were no funds for Goa for construction of even a bridge," he said."More than the development of the state, some political parties get pleasure in hurting others."Modi said the Congress is being "defeated everywhere," since people in the country are "wise." He added that the people of Goa are wiser, and so, they should vote for the BJP.