Just the day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi accused Congress of its silence over Dalit atrocities in the country, on Friday Congress president slammed Modi and accused him of muzzling Dalit voice in Parliament and across the BJP-ruled States.
Addressing an election rally at Kalgi in North Karnataka Congress chief Rahul Gandhi alleged Modi of favouring a handful of industrialists and neglecting the weaker sections.
“Modiji doesn’t allow Khargeji to speak in lok Sabha. Under Modi rule, dalit scholar Rohit Vemula ended his life. The atrocities on Dalits are increasing in Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat and BJP-ruled States. Yet, Modiji doesn’t utter a word. The same man garlands Ambedkar statue to show that he is pro-dalit,” he slamed Modi.
Gandhi quoted a vachana of 12th century social reformer Basavanna and said Moid’s words did not match his deeds.
He said “Basavanna said Nudidante Nade (do as you say). But Modi never did what he said. He promised to bring back black money and deposit Rs. 15 lakh to the accounts of each citizen. He promised to generate 2 crore jobs every year. People believed him and voted him to power. But, he didn’t keep his word”.
“His promises turned out to be hoaxes. let alone giving you Rs. 15 lakh. Modi, through demonetisation, forced you to deposit whatever cash you had in the banks. And that money was looted by Nirav Modi, and Prime Minister allowed the looter to escape to london with the loot. Yet, he comes to Karnataka to give a lecture on corruption,” Gandhi added.
Gandhi spoke about farm loan waiver by Siddaramaiah and said“In view of consecutive droughts and burden of indebtedness on the farmers’ shoulder, I went to the Prime Minister's office and requested for waiver of farm loans from nationalised banks. But, Modi didn’t utter a word. later he did write off Rs. 2.5 lakh corporate loans borrowed by 15 businessmen. I asked Mr. Siddaramaiah whether he could waive farm loans borrowed from cooperative institutions. He did it within 10 days. It shows who is pro-corporate and who is pro-farmer.”
Congress chief hit back at Modi and questioned Modi over accommodating Yeddyurappa and tainted Reddy brothers. “We had jailed Reddy brothers who looted the State. Modi, however, ensured their release. Now, he is making attempts to push these looters into the Assembly. We will not allow this to happen,” he added.
Rahul also said congress government led by chief minister Siddaramaiah in Karnataka was the only one in the country to have added half the money to the funds allocated by the Centre for the welfare of Dalits and tribals, and spent it on them.
Gandhi alleged that the money the Modi government saved due to fall in international crude oil prices was given to 5-10 industrialists, instead of spending it for the welfare of weaker sections, Dalits and women.
Karnataka is crucial for both the Congress and the BJP. Congress President is making many trips in his effort to retain Karnataka. On its part BJP is working making Congress mukth Karnataka . The May 12th Karnataka assembly polls are seen as preamble to 2019 generl elections.