Continuing his election campaign in Karnataka, Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday visits Sringeri, Chikkamagaluru and Hassan.
After paying a visit to Sringeri Mutt, Mr Gandhi is addressing a public meeting in Chikkamagaluru. Sathish G.T. gives updates from the rally.
Here are the latest updates:
‘India’s PM can succeed only if he has empathy’
Rahul Gandhi at the Chikkamagaluru rally.
Mr. Gandhi asks if the Prime Minister doesn’t consider Nirav Modi’s case as corruption.
“Modi said for 70 years nothing happened in India. It means your parents, working class did not do anything for the country.”
“Modi believes nothing happened before he came to the office. I have seen many PMs... I have listened to Vajpayee. Never has he said nothing happened in the country before his tenure.”
“Modi believes nothing happened before he came to the office. India’s PM can succeed only he has empathy at heart. Without empathy, love, respect, nobody can lead the country.”
America’s President says China and India can compete with the U.S., claims Mr. Gandhi and adds: “But our PM does not understand the contribution of lakhs of people.”
“People of the country want to listen to talk of truth and love. I have travelled in Karnataka. Congress workers are working together here. The party will win. Narendra Modi will be defeated next year,” he says ending his speech.
‘Will fulfil promises’
“I won’t ever give the promise of ₹15 lakh to voters. This is the land of truth. But, whatever I promise with regard to farmers, health, education, I will definitely fulfill them when I get a chance.”
“China has entered Doklam. They are making roads, helipads, airports. But PM does not speak a word. He speaks about all other things, but when it comes to employment, farmer crisis, Doklam, he remains silent.”
“We gave fewer promises but we worked more. For girls, we are providing free education from kindergarten to post-graduation. In Gujarat, 90% of educational institutions have been privatised. Without ₹15 lakh, nobody can get an education in Gujarat.”
On the Rafale dead, Mr. Gandhi says, “PM himself visited France and helped his industrialist friend through the deal. There he does not see corruption. Modi comes here and speaks about corruption. He speaks from the stage, where the former CM, who had been to jail for corruption also sits.”
‘Modi quotes Basavanna without following his teachings’
The crowd at the Chikkamagaluru rally.
Mr. Gandhi’s rally in Chikkamagaluru begins. Congress leaders Mallikarjun Kharge, Dr. G. Parameshwar, M. Veerappa Moily, CM Siddaramaiah, AICC general secretary K.C. Venugopal, party leaders S.R. Patil, B.K. Hariprasad, Roshan Baig, Sagir Ahmed and B.L. Shankar are onstage.
Mr. Gandhi begins speaking in Hindi and Mr. Shankar translates the speech for the audience. “You stood with my grandmother during her difficult times. I can’t forget you in my lifetime. Whenever you require my help, you just let me know that I will rush to your help.”
“Whatever work my grandmother could do for the poor of the country, your role in her work was significant. BJP and RSS are making efforts to break the country. With your support, I will try to bring everybody together.”
“When I went to Sringeri Mutt, I came to know children are taught about religion there. I later interacted with them. During the interaction I wanted to know from students what is the foundation of religion. A 14 year old boy said ‘religion is nothing but truth.’ A 14 year old boy understands what is religion, but not PM Narendra Modi.”
“Basavanna said ‘ Nudidante nade ’ (Practise what you preach). Modi also quotes Basavanna. But he does not follow ‘ Nudidante nade.’”
“PM has waived crores of loans borrowed by rich people. I personally went to his office and appealed him to waive loans of farmers. He did not reply. I raised the same question with Siddaramaiah. Wanted to know if he could do what Modi could not. Siddaramaiah waived farm loans worth ₹8,500 crore in 10 days.”
At Sringeri Mutt
Rahul Gandhi visited Sringeri Sharada Peetha, a place which has had a special relationship with his family for 40 years.
The Congress president’s grandmother and former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi visited the Mutt in 1978. She took the blessings of the then seer before contesting the Chikkamagaluru byelection.
Rajiv Gandhi had also visited the Mutt. A Sanskrit study centre set up by the Peetha in Sringeri has been named after Rajiv Gandhi.
During his visit, Rahul Gandhi went to the Sharadamba Temple and met Bharathi Teertha Swamy. He was accompanied by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, AICC general secretary K.C. Venugopal, senior Congress leaders Mallikarjun Kharge, Veerappa Moily, KPCC President Dr. G. Parameshwara and others.
Supporters throng Chikkamagaluru
Congress supporters gather at M.G. Road in Chikkamagaluru to welcome Rahul Gandhi.
Schedule
Mr. Gandhi will visit Sharada Peetha in Sringeri and meets Bharati Tirtha Swamy. His father Rajiv Gandhi and grandmother Indira Gandhi had also visited the mutt in the past.
Congress president Rahul Gandhi will visit Chikkamagaluru, a place which has a significant place in the history of the party, and neighbouring Hassan district on Wednesday.
The Congress has made arrangements for the rally at the district stadium in Hassan.
