New Delhi, Feb 3 (UNI) The BJP on Wednesday charged Congress leader Rahul Gandhi of instigating farm leaders and alleged that he is using the protest for his own political gains.

Addressing mediapersons, BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra said 'Today, Rahul Gandhi has threatened that farmers will not step back. This is an agitation of the farmers and they are saying they are not associated with any political party and this is not a political movement. So why are you speaking on their behalf.'

Dr Patra accused the Gandhi scion of instigating farmers so that clashes erupt and police fire, so that they can do politics over it.

He alleged that former Congress president conspires with anti-India elements during his trip abroad to malign the country.

Taking swipe at Mr Gandhi and pop star Rihanna, who tweeted against the government handling of farmers' protest, Dr Patra said 'Neither Rahul nor Rihanna know anything about agriculture. Ask Rihanna, Rahul about what is Rabi crop, what is Kharif crop. They don't know anything about it.'

He questioned where were Rihanna and Rahul when Father of the Nation Mahatma Gandhi's statue was desecrated in California recently.

Earlier, Congress alleged that BJP agents were responsible for the violence but now they (Congress) are providing them legal aid, he said.

'There is no institution in the country that would stand with anarchists and the rioters of January 26. Are these people associated with Rahul Gandhi who is ready to provide legal aid to them," he asked.

Slamming the Wayanad MP for his allegation that the government wants to "kill" the farmers, he said the Delhi Police acted with admirable restraint and pointed out that over 28 farmers were killed in a police firing in 1998 in Madhya Pradesh when the Congress was in power.

UNI SV SHK2043