With the Assembly elections in Tamil Nadu just a few months away, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Thursday, 14 January, celebrated Pongal in Avaniyapuram, Madurai, and attended a Jallikattu event with Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) President MK Stalin's son and actor Udhayanidhi.
Gandhi, while speaking to the media in Madurai, slammed the Modi government over the ongoing protests against the farm laws, saying it is not neglecting farmers, but conspiring to destroy them as it wants two or three of its “friends” to benefit.
"They (the government) want to give what belongs to farmers to 2-3 of their friends. That's what's happening. Neglect is too weak a word to explain what is taking place," the Congress leader was quoted as saying by news agency ANI.
‘Govt Will Be Forced to Take These Laws Back, Remember What I Said’
Calling farmers the "backbone" of the country, Gandhi went on to say, "You are suppressing farmers. You're helping a handful of businesses. With the coronavirus outbreak, you are not helping the common man. Whose prime minister are you? Are you the prime minister of the people of India or of two to three select businessmen?"
“Mark my words. Take it from me. The government will be forced to take these laws (farm laws), back. Remember what I said.”Rahul Gandhi, as quoted by ANI
Earlier, after the event, Gandhi had reportedly said, “It was quite a lovely experience to see Tamil culture, history in action. I'm happy that Jallikattu is being organised in a systematic and safe way, where both the bull and the youngsters are safe and everybody is being taken care of.”
“I have come here as I think Tamil culture, language and history are essential for India’s future and need to be respected. I have come here to give a message to those who think that they can run roughshod over Tamil people, can push aside Tamil language and Tamil culture,” he had said while addressing the event, as quoted by ANI.
According to IANS, the tag line for Gandhi's visit was 'Rahulin Tamizh Vanakkam'.(Rahul’s greetings to Tamil Nadu).
(With inputs from ANI, IANS and PTI.)
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