DEODAR, Gujarat (IANS) — Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Sunday came down heavily on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, asserting that his words had ceased to carry weight since he was lying through the teeth on the promises made to Gujarat and the country.
Addressing a series of election rallies in North and Central Gujarat, Gandhi recalled how Modi had promised during the 2014 Lok Sabha election to bring back black money stashed abroad and then deposit Rs 15 lakh into each Indian’s bank account.
“Narendra Modi had said you will get Rs 15 lakh in your bank accounts, you did not get even 15 paise,” Gandhi said tauntingly.
The Congress Vice President asked the people if they saw anyone “suited and booted” standing in queues to deposit money in the wake of last year’s demonetization.
“Through the back door, the money of all the thieves in India was converted into white right under Modiji’s nose.”
Gandhi also said that Modi had promised in his election speeches of 2014 to create two crore jobs every year and to ensure that farmers get the right returns for their produce.
“Is this happening?” Gandhi asked loudly. In response, the crowds roared back: “No, no.”
“The Prime Minister’s words should carry weight. Modiji’s words no longer carry any weight because he has been lying through the teeth on every promise he made,” Gandhi added to cheers.
He said the people had seen through it all and would not be waylaid this time.
Gandhi asserted that Modi was nervous and afraid of losing the Gujarat Assembly elections and so was changing his narrative every time.
“I have heard and analysed Modiji’s speeches. He devotes half the time to the Congress though Modiji claims that he has finished off the Congress.
“And he devotes the rest of the time of his speech to speak about himself,” he added.
“Where has suddenly your tall talk of development vanished? You have little to report of the last 22 years of BJP government in Gujarat. This is why you need all this, Modiji,” Gandhi said.
Gandhi promised that if the Congress came to power in Gujarat, “we would come out with a policy to exempt farmers’ dues, ensure that the primary responsibility of the government on education and health and to bring down unemployment.”
Gandhi reiterated that the election was neither about him nor Modi but about the future of Gujarat and Gujaratis.
He also said that although Modi used foul language against him, he would never resort to such language.
“The Prime Minister uses foul language against me but I will never do that because Rahul Gandhi respects the office of Prime Minister.
“I am not going to utter a single word against the Prime Minister. This is what our party, Mahatma Gandhi and Sardar Patel have taught us.”
Congress leaders met Pak officials with Aiyar: Modi
Meanwhile Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday accused a group of Congress leaders of meeting Pakistan’s High Commissioner at party leader Mani Shankar Aiyar’s residence before the latter called him (Modi) “neech”.
Addressing an election rally at Sanand, Modi said the meeting at Aiyar’s residence was also attended by former Indian Vice President Hamid Ansari and former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.
Continuing his attack on the Congress, Modi said: “There was a meeting convened at Aiyar’s residence where Pakistan’s High Commissioner, Pakistan’s Foreign Minister, Ansari and Manmohan Singh were present. The meeting lasted three hours.
“The next day Mani Shankar said I am a ‘neech’,” said the Prime Minister.
Modi went on: “I ask you, brothers and sisters, why did they have to have a meeting with Pakistani officials. Pakistan is our enemy. You (Congress) meet them and the next day call me ‘neech’.
“Isn’t this a thing to worry about? Does it not raise doubts? There is something dubious here, isn’t it? You should have ensured the presence of government officials at the meeting. Why are you holding meetings with our enemy neighbour in secrecy?”
“Isn’t calling me ‘neech’ insulting to Gujarat? Isn’t it insulting to the country? Insulting to the government whom the people voted to power?”
The Prime Minister added that a former Pakistan Army general, Arshad Rafiq, has announced that he favoured Congress MP Ahmed Patel as the Gujarat Chief Minister.
“Why? You are in Pakistan. Why are you interested in our country’s affairs?
“Brothers and sisters, isn’t this alarming? All this and the meeting at Aiyar’s residence. What is all this? My friends, you should give me a promise that you will root out the Congress and give a thumping victory to the BJP at every booth in Ahmedabad.”
