Patna, Sep 19 (HT):Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi took on Prime Minister Narendra Modi at an election campaign rally in Bihar's Champaran on Saturday, calling the government a 'suit-boot ki sarkar'.

"Modiji started off as a tea seller, now his clothes are getting better. From kurtas, he has moved on to Rs 15-lakh suits," Gandhi said at the rally.

"If Modiji wants to create employment, he should speak to people who need it, not those who wear expensive suits," he said. "If our government is formed here (in Bihar), we will create employment opportunities," Gandhi added.

The rally was the first big show of the grand alliance after the 'Swabhiman rally' in Patna on August 30, which was attended by Congress president Sonia Gandhi, RJD chief Lalu Prasad and Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar.

Nitish Kumar and Lalu Prasad were not present 'due to their engagement with finalisation of candidates'.

The RJD supremo is said to nurse a grudge against the Congress vice-president for trashing an ordinance to protect tainted politicians about two years ago.

At the rally, Gandhi said Modi had promised to end corruption but was shielding foreign minister Sushma Swaraj and former IPL boss Lalit Modi.

"He (Modi) promised two lakh jobs, promised Rs 15 lakh to each person's account and said he would reduce high prices. Did it happen? He was a 'feku' and still is one," Gandhi said.