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New Delhi: Narendra Modi’s sharp attack on Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and the UPA government in his Independence Day address drew criticism from rival Congress. It also seemed to draw rebuke from his own party’s senior-most leader LK Advani. 
 
The 85-year-old Mr Advani said after unfurling the tricolour at his Delhi residence, "Today is Independence Day. Without criticising one another, people should be aware on this day that India has unlimited possibilities."
 
He said this soon after the Gujarat Chief Minister’s fiery extempore speech at a Bhuj College in his state; Mr Modi ripped into the Congress government and particularly Dr Singh, who he attacked not just on policy but also what he called an "uninspiring" Independence Day address at the Red Fort today. (Read: Modi challenges, taunts PM)
 
Senior minister and Congessman Salman Khurshid has accused Mr Modi of indulging in "petty politics". He told NDTV, "Targeting the PM on a day when he is speaking for the unity and integrity of the country is not appropriate."
 
In his 30-minute address made about an hour before the Gujarat CM spoke, Dr Singh did not name Mr Modi but it was clear who he meant when he asked people and political parties to prevent "narrow and sectarian ideologies" from growing." (Read the full text of PM’s speech here)The Congress accuses Mr Modi of being divisive and questions his secular credentials.
 
Mr Advani has led a group of top BJP leaders seen as being against Mr Modi, who is expected to be named the party’s presumptive prime minster for 2014 soon. Mr Advani had publicly protested against Mr Modi’s elevation as the BJP’s election campaign chief in June this year, but was brought around by the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh or RSS, the BJP’s ideological mentor.
 
The RSS has reportedly told Mr Advani that there must be no more opposition within the party to Mr Modi’s rise and the senior leader has since made several conciliatory speeches.