Pics: Spoorthi Ullal
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru
Mangaluru, Mar 20: President of Indian National Congress Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday March 20 said that Prime Minister Modi needs to learn from Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah and other Congress leaders especially when it comes to solving issues facing farmers.
Rahul Gandhi arrived in Suratkal as part of the 'Janaashirvad' rally, enroute Mangaluru from Udupi. He was greeted by scores of enthusiastic supporters who waved and chanted pro-Congress slogans.
Rahul Gandhi began his speech by greeting the crowd in Tulu, much to the delight of the thousands who had gathered. He recited Basavanna's saying 'Nudidante Nade' and said that the BJP neither follows Basavanna's teachings nor that of Sri Narayana Guru. "Congress follows the teachings of both Basavanna and Sri Narayana Guru. We do what we say," he said.
"I had asked a question to PM Modi about waiving loans of farmers, but he had no answer. When I asked the same question to Siddaramaiah, within a week he announced a loan waiver of Rs 8,000 crore. PM Modi needs to learn from Siddaramaiah, KPCC president Parameshwara, Mallikarjuna Kharge and other leaders of our party," he said.
"Modi promised to deposit Rs 15 lac in your accounts. But forget Rs 15 lac, not even Rs 10 has been deposited. Instead he made you stand in lines (during demonetisation). Nirav Modi looted public money but the country's 'chowkidar' simply sat doing nothing," he said in a jibe at PM Modi.
"Modi insulted India while touring America. He also insulted the farmers. What he says is not an insult to Congress, but to the people of India. He has forgotten the roles of Sushma Swaraj, L K Advani, Arun Jaitley and others and claims all the credit to himself.
"Lacs of people were put in trouble because of GST. But Modi does not want to open his mouth about Amit Shah's son, or the Rafale scam. The central government is not disclosing the amount involved in the Rafale deal. When Jay Shah, Gujarat Petroleum and Nirav Modi loot the country, the chowkidar chooses to maintain silence," he added.
He said that if Congress is voted to power at the centre in next year's general elections, it will set up a separate ministry to solve the issues facing the fishermen community.
Chief minister Siddaramaiah, KPCC president Dr Parameshwara and other Congress leaders were present.
After the Suratkal rally, Rahul Gandhi proceeded to Mangaluru where he will visit address a convention at Nehru Maidan, and then visit Kudroli Temple, Rosario Church and Ullal Dargah. He will stay overnight in Mangaluru.