Cong ignoring interests of Army, farmers: Modi

Tribune News Service

Lucknow, December 16

Launching a frontal attack on the Congress in its bastion of Raebareli and also at Prayagraj, Prime Minister Narendra Modi today charged it with ignoring the interests of both “jawans” and “kisans” besides trying to weaken the judiciary.

In his 55-minute address at the Modern Rail Coach Factory in Raebareli, Modi virtually launched the 2019 Lok Sabha election campaign from UPA chairperson and Rae Bareli MP Sonia Gandhi’s constituency. This was his first visit of Raibareli after becoming the PM.

In a veiled attack on Congress president Rahul Gandhi, the PM charged him of continually lying on Army purchases and putting the national security at risk.

“They do not believe the Ministry of Defence, Defence Minister, Indian Air Force, French government and even the apex court,” said Modi, clearly hinting at Rahul Gandhi’s stand on the Rafael deal.

“Be it the Bofors deal or the purchase of AgustaWestland helicopters, there has always been a Quattrocchi mama (maternal uncle) or Christian Michel uncle involved,” he said.

“It’s my government that has brought Christian Michel uncle to India for trial. And see how the Congress sent a lawyer for his defence,” he said. Soon after the Kargil war, the Army in 2009 had demanded 1.86 lakh bullet-proof jackets which, he said, the UPA government failed to procure.

He said he would like to know why the Congress did not implement the Swaminathan Commission report for 10 years. “It was my government that dwelled on ways to double the income of farmers by 2022. It was left to my government to ensure MSP for 22 crops and the move is expected to benefit farmers by Rs 60,000 crore,” he claimed.