Congress leader Rahul Gandhi took a jab at Prime Minister Narendra Modi while addressing a poll rally in Himachal Pradesh's Shimla on Sunday. Launching a scathing attack on PM Modi, Gandhi first slammed the BJP leader for his policies and promised support for the state's development. He then mocked PM Modi's response during an interview with a media outlet, where he talked about "divine intervention guiding his decisions".
"Does this sentiment of affliction strike him in the morning, evening, or persist throughout the day?" Gandhi quipped.
Gandhi accused PM Modi of favouring a select few while neglecting the needs of the wider population. He highlighted the disparity between the waiver of loans worth Rs 16 lakh crore for a handful of persons over the past decade and the lack of assistance provided to Himachal Pradesh following monsoon rains last year.
"In the last 10 years, PM Modi waived loans worth Rs 16 lakh crore for 22 people, but failed to allocate Rs 9,000 for Himachal Pradesh to address the disaster caused by monsoon rains," Gandhi remarked.
Last year, multiple spells of extreme rainfall wreaked havoc in Himachal Pradesh, claiming over 550 lives and causing extensive damage to property and infrastructure.
Turning his attention to the audience, Gandhi said, "My sister lives here in Shimla. And remember, Rahul and Priyanka are your soldiers in Delhi, and Chief Minister Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu and the team of Congress party are your soldiers in the state".
Accusing the BJP of undermining democratic institutions, Gandhi urged Congress workers to defend the Constitution and ensure victory for party candidates in the upcoming elections. Echoing Gandhi's sentiment, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu condemned BJP's alleged attempts to destablise the state government.
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