Video Editor: Mohd Irshad Alam
Addressing public rallies from multiple locations in poll-bound Rajasthan, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Congress President Rahul Gandhi trained guns at each other on corruption, national security, vikas and other crucial issues.
The National Security Debate
On the tenth anniversary of the 26/11 Mumbai terror attack, PM Modi called out Congress’ ‘hypocrisy’ on nationalism while addressing a rally in Rajasthan’s Bhilwara.
“I want to ask the Congress – 10 years ago, on 26 November, the nation witnessed a massive terror attack that shocked the entire world. The Congress preached nationalism back then. When the Army carried out surgical strike and avenged the terror attacks, when every Indian felt proud of the feats of the Army, the Congress wanted video evidence of the strike.Narendra Modi, Prime Minister
The Congress, meanwhile, attacked PM Modi for ‘looting’ Rs 30,000 crore from the Indian Air Force by purchasing Rafale aircraft worth Rs 526 crore at Rs 1,600 crore.
“The Indian Air Force required 126 (Rafale) aircraft. Manmohan Singh said they are free to purchase aircraft but at minimum prices, and they must be manufactured by an Indian company. The Indian Air Force agreed to the conditions. The Indian Air Force chose Rafale aircraft. They agreed at Rs 526 crore for every aircraft. After PM Modi came to power, he purchased an aircraft worth Rs 526 crore for Rs 1,600 crore. PM Modi stole Rs 30,000 crore from the Indian Air Force and gave it to his friend Anil Ambani.”Rahul Gandhi, Congress President
Corruption Vs Inaction
The prime minister said his government has kept corruption in check by saving the Rs 90,000 crore that earlier went into the pockets of the corrupt.
“In India, every year there used to be a theft of Rs 90,000 crore. I have stopped that loot. Under Madam’s (Sonia Gandhi) government in Delhi, a daughter who wasn’t even born was listed as a widow in government records and pension was released to her. Ration cards were released in the name of families that did not exist. And the ration used to be looted. As a result of every vote that you cast in our favour, Modi came to power and put an end to the theft of Rs 90,000 crore.”Narendra Modi, Prime Minister
The Congress president attacked PM Modi for “repeatedly talking about corruption, jobs and farmers’ benefits, and forgetting all his promises the minute he became the prime minister.”
The Prime Minister of India has said that before he took over as PM, the elephant was sleeping. He said that before he took over as the PM, the nation was in a slumber. (By saying so) He insults the people of the nation, the farmers, the workers and all those who made nuclear tests in Pokhran possible.Rahul Gandhi, Congress President
Naamdaar Vs Chowkidaar
Referring to Rahul Gandhi as ‘naamdaar’, PM Modi rebuked him by saying that he is not even taken seriously by his own party.
The ‘naamdaar’ leader who is not taken seriously even by the Rajasthan Congress; should you take him seriously? His party does not take him into account. What he had promised was not even mentioned in the manifesto. This ‘naamdaar’ is not aware of what the NCC is, what a manifesto is. This ‘naamdaar’ visits Kailash Mansarovar but is not aware of what the Kailash Mansarovar is.Narendra Modi, Prime Minister
Calling out ‘chowkidaar’ Modi, the Gandhi scion said he does not speak of his earlier promises anymore and even the public is aware of his ‘jumlas’.
“PM Modi used to repeat the same things in every debate – waive farmers’ loans, ensure farmers get the right prices for their produce, jobs to two crore youths every year and Rs 15 lakh in every bank account. He used to say, ‘I have a 56-inch chest. Don’t make me the prime minister, make me the country’s Chowkidaar.’ Now listen to his speeches in Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh. He doesn’t speak of jobs, farmers or loan waivers any more.Rahul Gandhi, Congress President
Who will have the last laugh in Rajasthan - the jury is still out on that.
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