New Delhi: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent TV interview remarks, suggesting that the “man sent by God” failed to save lives during the COVID-19 crisis when bodies were seen floating in the Ganga and people died outside hospitals.
Speaking at a rally in Delhi’s Dilshad Garden ahead of the sixth phase of Lok Sabha polls, Gandhi accused PM Modi of prioritizing the interests of a few industrialists. He mocked Modi’s claim that he was sent on a mission by God, saying, “If someone told you this on the road, you would excuse yourself to continue your task.”
Gandhi also took aim at Modi’s earlier comments, questioning, “God, what kind of person have you sent?” He highlighted the devastating impact of COVID-19, pointing out that while people suffered, Modi advised citizens to light their mobile phone torches.
In the interview, PM Modi had mentioned feeling his birth might have been biological while his mother was alive, but after her passing, he believed he was sent by God based on his experiences.
Gandhi also criticized the Agniveer scheme, claiming it is detrimental to the defense forces and pledging that Congress would scrap it if they come to power.
The Election Commission has reminded Congress of its 2019 advisory against mentioning defense forces in campaigns and urged them to avoid making potentially divisive statements about the socio-economic composition of the forces. On Wednesday, the EC issued formal notices to BJP and Congress star campaigners to maintain decorum and correct their discourse.