Addressing an array of questions at a press conference, Gandhi said, "atrocities against women is absolutely a political and a national issue. But PM Modi likes to discuss bullet train and other issues but does not like to discuss fundamental issues."
On BJP's allegation that the Congress only politicises issue of Dalit and does not do anything for them, Gandhi said, "We had said that Dalits are being beaten up & oppressed when Rohith Vemula is killed Modi Ji doesn't say a word. When Dalits are killed & humiliated in other parts of India, Modi Ji doesn't say anything. Congress will defend the rights of Dalits & raise this issue.It is our job."
He said the Central government should be ashamed to note that Karnataka government gives half of the money that the entire Indian government gives for Dalits and tribals.
Criticising the government's foreign policies, he said Russia has changed its stand towards India. "It is now supplying weapons to Pakistan, it has never happened before. A disaster is being created in our foreign policy."
On questions pertaining to the upcoming election, Gandhi said, the 47-year-old said PM Modi has accepted his defeat in Karnataka. "Whatever comes out of PM's mouth is what is actually in his heart. He is absolutely convinced now, and he is right, that he is going to lose Karnataka, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and he is going to lose 2019."
He also attacks BJP over its election manifesto, saying ‘BJP copied half of our manifesto’
(WATCH RAHUL GANDHI'S FULL PRESS CONFERENCE BELOW)
Over continuous attacks on his mother and his Italian roots by Modi, he said, "Mr. Modi has got anger inside of him. He is angry with everybody, not only me. I am a lightning rod for anger, I attract anger. But that is his problem. It is not my problem."
"My mother is Italian. She has lived most of her life in India. She is more Indian than many Indian people. My mother has sacrificed for this country," he asserted.
BJP has called Gandhi 'Election Hindu' for visiting temples only during polls, to which, Gandhi retorted. "Throughout last 15 years, I've been visiting temples, mosques, gurudwaras, every religious institution I come across. BJP doesn't like this. I don't think they understand meaning of the term Hindu. It's a perspective. It's something which lives with you throughout."
"The BJP doesn't understand the term 'Hindu'. When BJP uses the term 'Election Hindu' it defines their own perspective of the religion," he added.
Karnataka goes to polls on May 12. Counting of votes will be conducted on May 15.