Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday, 28 October, slammed the BJP-JD(U) government, saying that the existing government has “destroyed” Bihar and took jibes at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying that he cannot compete with him at lying.
He also said that effigies of PM Modi were burnt in Punjab on Dussehra, and not that of 'Ravan'. He said that burning the effigy of the Prime Minister was sad, but the youth are angry with him.
Gandhi addressed two rallies at Champaran and Darbhanga, as the first phase of polling is underway for Bihar Assembly elections, with votes being cast in 71 of 243 constituencies.
Rahul praised Rashtriya Janata Dal leader Tejashwi Yadav, while targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar.
‘Why do Bihar People Have to Go to Other States for Jobs?’
Slamming PM Modi over unemployment in Bihar, the Congress leader said: “Now Prime Minister doesn't say in speeches that he'll give jobs to 2 crore youth. He knows he was lying and people also know it. I guarantee, if PM comes here and says he'll give 2 crore jobs, the crowd will chase him away,” ANI quoted Rahul Gandhi as saying.
Prodding the rally, he further said: “Why do Bihar people have to go to other states for jobs? Do our Bihar brothers and sisters lack in anything? No, your CM and PM lack,” Hindustan Times quoted Rahul Gandhi as saying.
Continuing his attack on unemployment in the state, the Congress leader added: “Congress gave direction to the country. We gave MNREGA, waived off farmers' loans. We know how to run the country, stand with farmers and generate employment, but yes, we do lack one thing - we don't know how to lie. We cannot compete with him (PM) at lying,” reported ANI.
“The motive of demonetisation and lockdown was the same. It was aimed at destroying small farmers, small businesses, traders and labourers,” Gandhi said, while addressing the crowd over COVID-19-induced lockdown, ANI reported.
“When Prime Minister Narendra Modi came here last time he promised that a sugarcane factory will be set up, and he will have tea with all of you. Did he have tea with you?” Rahul Gandhi asked.
Talking about the protests over land bills in Punjab, the Congress leader said that he was upset to see Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s effigies getting burnt during Dussehra in the state.
“This is sad and should not happen as he is the prime minister of the country,” Rahul said, reported the Hindustan Times.
‘Vote for Mahagathbandhan’
Praising Tejashwi Yadav, Rahul said that the Congress is contesting elections in the Grand Alliance with the RJD and many other parties. Youth leaders of the Grand Alliance are contesting and want to give a new vision and that they want to give employment to the youth.
He appealed for votes for the Grand Alliance and said that the leaders of the ruling National Democratic Alliance lie.
The first phase of polling covers the southern part of Bihar, with a slightly heavier concentration in the south-west. Region-wise, this would be the Magadh and Bhojpur regions. The state capital Patna also votes in the first phase.
(With inputs from ANI, IANS and Hindustan Times.)
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