Hope PM Modi will also fast over custodial killing in Uttar Pradesh: Rahul Gandhi

NEW DELHI:  Taking a dig at Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s proposed fast against complete washout of Budget session, Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday said he hopes the PM would show similar concern over lawlessness in BJP-ruled Uttar Pradesh.

“The barbaric treatment meted out in UP to a man seeking justice for his daughter has shamed humanity. I hope the Prime Minister will soon observe a fast over oppression against women, and lawlessness in BJP-ruled states as well,” Rahul tweeted in Hindi.

Congress chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said the government itself did not let the Parliament function as it wanted to avoid debating the Punjab National Bank fraud case, corruption in Rafale jet deal, CBSE paper leak, SSC scam, dilution of SC/ST Act and various no-confidence motions moved by the Opposition. 

The PM was resorting to a fast as he feared losing the 2019 national elections, said the Congress leader.

“Fearful of the rising anger in public, Modiji is holding this farce of a fast. If the PM is so helpless, he should quit and go on exile,” Surjewala said.The PM’s fast, he said, was akin to the government running away from its responsibility.

“If the government abdicates the responsibility of governance and looks to organise a photo-op, can it be allowed to shirk accountability,” Surjewala added.