New Delhi: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi made his second appearance in poll-bound Rajasthan delivering a scathing attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a rally. Addressing gatherings in Bundi and Dausa districts, the former Congress chief accused Modi of attempting to create two separate Hindustans' one for Adani and the other for the poor.
He also criticised Modi for neglecting to conduct a caste census in the country, vowing that it would be a top priority for the Congress once in power at the Centre.
In his address in Bundi, Gandhi remarked, "Instead of 'Bharat Mata ki Jai,' the Prime Minister should say 'Adani ji Ki Jai' because he works for him." He added, "Modi says Bharat Mata ki Jai and works 24 hours for Adani." Gandhi emphasised that the poor, farmers, and labourers represent 'Bharat Mata,' not Adani.
Regarding the caste census, Gandhi asserted that Modi would not undertake it, but assured, "Rahul Gandhi and the Congress can do it." He announced, "We have ordered a caste census in Rajasthan. As soon as the (Congress) government comes to power in Delhi, our first task will be (to order) a caste census. Your true involvement will begin then. Mother India will be victorious then," he added.
In Dausa, Rahul Gandhi highlighted Modi's contradictory statements on his OBC status and the caste census. He claimed that Modi, initially stating he was an OBC, changed his stance when confronted about the caste census in Parliament.
Gandhi said, "The day I said Modi ji, do one thing, tell the world how many OBCs are there in the country, he started giving a new speech. He said there is no caste in the country and only the poor are there."
Insiders suggest that Gandhi reluctantly joined the Rajasthan campaign after persistent persuasion due to dissatisfaction with the state leadership. His reluctance to campaign for Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot stemmed from Gehlot allegedly thwarting the party High Command's plans to install Sachin Pilot as CM, with Gehlot elevated as party chief.
Another point of contention was Gehlot's resistance to changing tickets for many MLAs, ignoring party strategist Sunil Kanugolu's recommendations for substantial changes based on state surveys.
The high command and state leadership also clashed over the appointment of an event managing company for the election campaign. Despite the high command's objections, Gehlot reportedly went ahead with the appointment, creating further discord between the two factions.
