Launching a scathing attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, former Congress chief Sonia Gandhi said his pre-poll promise of inclusive development and combating corruption was only dramebazi (theatrics) and a ploy to garner votes and come to power.
Ms. Gandhi, in her address at the 84th Congress Plenary Session, said the Modi government was lodging false cases against opponents and pursuing a divisive agenda in Parliament. She alleged that no stone had been left unturned to destroy the Congress in the past four years.
Karnataka polls
Citing Indira Gandhi’s election victory from the Chikmanglur in Karnataka 40 years ago as a turning point in Indian politics, Ms Gandhi said she was confident that the Karnataka results would be another such turning point for the Congress.
Stating that Rahul Gandhi had accepted the leadership of the party in challenging times, she called on party members to strengthen the party and make the county free from the politics of arrogance, vendetta and discrimination.
“The slogans of sab ka saath, sab ka vikas' and ‘ na khaoonga, na khaane doonga' are only dramebazi (theatrics) and a trick to grab power,” Ms. Gandhi said referring to Mr. Modi's promises of inclusive development and corruption-free governance.
Stressing the importance of the impending Karnataka elections, she said,“Indira Gandhi’s impressive victory 40 years ago changed the course of politics. I believe by once again performing well in Karnataka, the country’s politics will see a new direction. Our recent performance in Gujarat, Rajasthan and Madhya have shown those, who want to end our political existence, how much people of the country love the Congress party.”
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah who also spoke a the Plenary, said the Assembly polls will be a contest between “secularism and communalism” where Congress’ will emerge victorious. He added that it will be the stepping stone for the 2019 challenge.
