Thiruvananthapuram: Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge on Thursday hit out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, labeling him a "bogus man" and a "liar" for betraying the affected families of devastating landslides that killed over 400 people in July.
Speaking at a rally in Nilambur, Malappuram district, in support of Wayanad UDF candidate Priyanka Gandhi, Kharge mentioned that Modi had visited Wayanad following the catastrophic landslides and pledged support to the victims. But whatever he promised, the prime minister never gave.
“The state submitted a detailed memorandum demanding Rs 2000 crore for relief and rehabilitation. But the Centre allocated only Rs 291 crore,” Kharge said and contrasted this with the generous aid provided to BJP-ruled states in the wake of natural disasters.
The Congress president hailed Kerala for consistently upholding the constitutional ideals of equality, liberty, and fraternity. The people of Kerala uphold the concept of a secular India. However, the actions of the Modi government are undermining the country's unity. Instead of promoting harmony, they are engendering division, anger, and fear, he said.
“They attempt to divide us based on caste and religion. However, I have faith in the people of Wayanad, and I am confident they cannot be divided. In recent years, the BJP and RSS have also introduced a new culture of communal and divisive politics in Kerala,” he alleged.
Kharge said Rahul visited Manipur multiple times, meeting people from various sections and sharing their sorrow. He began his Bharat Jodo Yatra from Manipur to draw the nation's attention to the struggles of the people there.
“Rahul works diligently and instills confidence in the people of this nation. He embarked on the Bharat Jodo Yatra from Kanyakumari to Kashmir. However, Modi has not visited Manipur to date to witness the dire conditions of the people and the tribal communities. The country requires a leader who stands with its citizens regardless of the circumstances,” Kharge said.
Whatever Modi claims, he fails to act upon. Modi's false promises include:
- 2 crore jobs every year, but has he delivered?
- Any employment generated in Wayanad as per Modi's promise?
- 15 lakh rupees in each individual's account and bringing black money from abroad. Has he fulfilled these promises?
- Doubling farmers' income, has it been achieved? Kharge asked.
Priyanka Gandhi started her speech in Malayalam. "Ellavarkum namaskaram, ningalude snehatinu nanni, enikk kurachu urachu Malayalam ariyam (Greetings to everyone. Thank you for your love. I know little Malayalam)
“I have learned three sentences, I will continue to repeat these lines till I learn more sentences,” she said amid thunderous applause from the crowd.
Priyanka showers praises on Mallikarjun Kharge
"I hold the deepest respect for Kharge ji’s leadership. He is one of the bravest warriors for which the Congress party has to be thankful today. Despite facing great adversity in life, having lost almost his entire family when he was young, he remains committed to the values of the Constitution of India and never yields to the forces of oppression.
All members of the Congress party are proud to have Kharge ji as their leader, and I am honoured to have him here," she said.
The Congress candidate said "In the last few days, as I have been traveling through the constituency, I have been deeply touched by the immense love you have shown me."
Priyanka concluded the second phase of her campaign on Thursday. She is anticipated to return shortly for the concluding stage of electioneering ahead of the polls, scheduled for November 13.
