Athani (Karnataka), Feb 24 (Agencies): Dismissing Prime Minister Narendra Modi's statement that strict action would be taken in the PNB fraud case, Congress President Rahul Gandhi today asked him to first explain how the money was taken away from the bank under his nose.
"A scam of Rs 22,000 crore happens, Nirav Modi runs away with Rs 22,000 crore from Indian Banks and Modiji (Prime Minister) says action will be taken," Gandhi said addressing a rally in poll-bound Karnataka.
"Action will be taken? You first make us understand how did Nirav Modi take Rs 22,000 crore from Indian banks under the nose of Narendra Modi's government," he said, He demanded to know why the finance minister and Modi "allowed this to happen".
Breaking his silence over the Rs 11,400-crore fraud at India's second-biggest PSU bank, Modi had yesterday warned of strict action against those involved in financial irregularities and said loot of public money would not be tolerated.
Rahul Gandhi has, however, been claiming that the size of the fraud is Rs 22,000 crore.
The Congress chief is touring parts of north Karnataka as part of his second leg of campaign in Karnataka, where elections are expected in April-May.
During his speech, Gandhi ttoday repeatedly quoted 12th century social reformer Basaveshwara from Karnataka, revered by dominant Lingayat/Veerashiva community which is predominantly present in northern parts of the state, to attack the prime minister.
He said Basaveshwara had said five things -- "don't indulge in theft, don't indulge in violence, do not lie, do not boast about yourself and don't spread anger."
"First one was don't indulge in theft. Narendra Modi says that the Congress party government in Karnataka is corrupt. When he says it, on his right side is his chief ministerial candidate Yeddyurappa who had gone to jail, on the other side four more ministers who had gone to jail," Gandhi said.
The Congress president said that Modi, who gives "long speeches", was quiet on the Rafael fighter jet deal.
"He (Modi) banned the notes, implemented Gabbar Singh Tax and destroyed lakhs of businesses, but Jay Shah's (BJP President Amit Shah's son) business within three months converts from Rs 50,000 into Rs 80 crore. On this Narendra Modi does not speak anything."
Pointing out that Basaveshwara also said don't indulge in violence, Gandhi hit out at the Modi government,accusing it of dividing society and indulging in atrocities against Dalits and minorities.
Referring to Basaveshwara's preachings against lying, Gandhi said Modi made "promises in the 2014 Lok Sabha polls, including that Rs 15 lakh will be deposited into bank accounts of every Indian, jobs to two crore youth and making India corruption free".
"Has he worked on this and shown to you? Wasn't the Rs 15 lakh promise a lie? he asked.
Gandhi also accused the prime minister of claiming credit for every achievement of the country .
"You say nothing happened in 70 years and whatever is happening, whether it is in your party or in the country, it is only because of Narendra Modi.
"Whether it is a rocket launch or the Army personnel that fight and are martyred on the border, Modiji says see I did it," he said.
"Sushma Swaraj (external affairs minister), Nitin Gadkari (transport minister) and Home Minister (Rajnath Singh) do not have any work in the government and only one man works, that is Narendra Modi.
"Modiji when you bow before Basawaji, remember what he said- do not boast about yourself, this is the truth," Gandhi said.
'Where is Acche Din?' Siddaramaiah questions Modi
Blaming the union government for financial fraudsters Lalith Modi, Nirav Modi and Vijay Mallya escape from the country siphoning crores, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah questioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi, ‘Where is your Acche Din?”.
Addressing people at Janaashirvad Yatra rally in Athani on Saturday, Siddaramaiah took a dig at the PM who ahead of 2014 Lok Sabha elections had promised to deposit Rs 15 lakh in each citizen’s bank account. People have not received even Rs 15, he ridiculed.
While blaming the state Congress government to be a 10 per cent commission government, you allowed Nirav Modi to loot a staggering Rs 11,000 crore and escape. While you willingly waive off corporate loans, you are not ready to do the same with the farm loans. "Yours is a 90 per cent commission government,” lashed out Siddaramaiah.
He also added that it was the state government which released huge grants for the Mahamastakabhisheka, while the centre did not give a rupee for the grand duo decennial event.
"Keeping ‘jailbirds’ Amit Shah and B S Yeddyurappa in the forefront, how can you go about seeking votes. MLA Lakshman Savadi was made to resign for watching porn during an Assembly session. Do you still want to vote for him,” he questioned the crowd.
Siddaramaiah called Jarkiholi brothers - Sathish and Ramesh, and Prakash Hukkeri to put up a united front and turn Belagavi district into a Congress bastion.
Prior to attending the rally, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Opposition leader in Lok Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge received the AICC president Rahul Gandhi at Sambra airport. Rahul who was visiting for his second-leg of Janaashirvada Yatre, was taken to Athani by Siddaramaiah and Kharge in an helicopter.