Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday launched another scathing attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, accusing him of “lacking genuine intentions” to work for the public.
Mr. Gandhi was in Chandrapur district of Maharashtra to visit the family of late Dadaji Khobragade, the award-winning cultivator who died last week in Nanded village. He also interacted with the villagers during a “chaupal meet”.
“The Prime Minister's entire marketing is done by 15-20 rich people and in return, he writes off their debts. It’s a marketing deal. Farmers’ loans have been waived off in Karnataka, in Punjab, and during the UPA government’s rule [at the Centre]. It’s all about intention. The PM and CM can do a lot, but they won’t because they lack good intentions. But I have a clear intent. I am not saying I will solve all your problems but I will try to help you,” Mr. Gandhi said while interacting with the villagers.
“Those who have the knowledge and who work really hard are not getting any support from the government. The government gives them awards but doesn’t help them. If he (Dadaji Khobragade) had received help, his skills would have helped many other people. The Modi government has written off the debt of 15 rich people. But tell me, how many farmers have got loan waiver in the last four years? During our rule, we waived off ₹70,000 crore,”Mr. Gandhi said.
“Nirav Modi ran away with ₹35,000 crore that the PM gave him. But how many jobs did Nirav Modi create? Had Dadaji Khobragade been given ₹5 crore, he would have generated 5000 jobs. Our country is full of such examples. But you are giving all the money to a few rich people. Ask them about the employment they have generated. The Prime Minister won’t ask this question to them,” the Congress president said.
Taking a dig at Modi government on the employment front, he told the gathering of local villagers and farmers that until 2019 they would have to sell “pakodas”.
He also criticised the Modi government for rising fuel prices and accused Mr. Modi of failing to fulfil promises.
“The PM has not fulfilled even a single promise he made, because the intention is not genuine. I won't make false promises like putting 15,00,000 rupees in your accounts. It’s a lie, and I won't lie to you. But the government has the money to protect the farmers of this country and when we come to power we will put that money in your pockets, we will give money to small-scale industries and knowledgeable people so that the jobs are created," the Congress president claimed.
Accusing the PM of not focusing on issues of unemployment and agriculture crisis, Mr. Gandhi said, “It is the responsibility of the country’s leader to show the way to the country and to give confidence to the people. But the PM doesn’t do that. What you get to hear from him is one lie after another.”