Rahul says Modi has no moral right to quote Basaveshwara

Rahul Gandhi, without raising the Lingayat religion issue in his tour of Mumbai-Karnataka region, quoted the 12th century social reformer Basaveshwara who is reverred by the Lingayats, extensively to take a dig at Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Rahul Gandhi, while touring Lingayat heartland districts of Belagavi, Vijayapura and Bagalkot, attacked the NDA government led by BJP’s faulty policies.

Basava’s quotes

Taking a dig at Modi, Rahul Gandhi said, “Prime Minister has been quoting extensively vachanas of Basaveshwara in Parliament and outside. But has no moral right to invoke Basava. Basava had said ‘Nudidanthe Nade’ (practice what you preach). However, there is no trace of Modi practising it in public life,” he added.

Rahul Gandhi further continued his tirade saying: “Modiji you promised to create two crore jobs every year. Where is it? You said will fight against corruption but failed to keep up this promise. But you are helping businessmen friends instead of helping or protecting the interests of farmers.”

Raising the Punjab National Bank issue, Rahul Gandhi slammed Modi by saying, “You facilitated ₹22,000 crore (but PNB claims ₹11,400 cr) money siphoned off right under your watch.” And further questioned how could Modi talk of eradicating corruption.

“Basava taught non-violence, truth, non-hoarding, avoid self-boasting and non-stealing. Discrimination and atrocities against minorities, Dalits and tribals are on the rise. What has Modi done to check it?,” he questioned.

Chowkidar jibe

Rahul Gandhi, on his road show in Mulawad (Vijayapura), took a jibe at Modi’s frequent Pradhan Chowkidar, utterance.

“In the face of businessman Nirav Modi decamping with crores of rupees from Punjab National Bank, what was Pradhan Chowkidar doing,” he said.

“Nirav Modi loots and scoots with over ₹11,000 crore but the Pradhan Chowkidar does not speak a word on it,” he further said.

Facilitator of loot

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah blasted Modi and said he is a great facilitator of corruption. He said, “When I raised the issue, BJP leaders created ruckus in the Vidhana Sabha, for “truth is always bitter”.

The chief minister further said when the BJP followers shout ‘Modi, Modi, Modi’ in public rallies, they referred to the three Modis – Lalit Modi, Nirav Modi and Narendra Modi.”

Challenging the PM, Siddaramaiah said Modi is not talking about development in Karnataka. Instead, he makes baseless allegations of corruption in Karnataka without showing any evidence. “I challenge him to make evidences public.”

He further sought to know from Modi when will the much-hyped ‘Achhe Din’ (good days) arrive and when will ₹15 lakh will be deposited in every individual’s bank account.