LUCKNOW: The war of words between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi continued for the second day on Thursday in battleground Uttar Pradesh.
Speaking in his constituency — Varanasi — a day after Rahul accused him of taking bribes from Sahara and Birla groups, Modi taunted the Gandhi scion saying he was happy that the young leader was evolving and learning to give speeches.
However, the Prime Minister refrained from clarifying the allegations made by the Congress leader. “They have a young leader. I am overjoyed to know that he is learning to speak. He had promised an earthquake. It’s good that he has started speaking; now the fear and possibility of any jolt is no more,” Modi said.
Launching a scathing attack on the Opposition, Modi likened their strategy to that of Pakistan. “They are trying to rescue the corrupt like Pakistan gives cover-fire to terrorists to help them cross the border,” he said.
“I never imagined political leaders would have the audacity to stand by the corrupt and support them in open.” Modi did not even spare his predecessor Manmohan Singh for criticising demonetisation.
“Look at Manmohan Singhji. Do you know he has been in the core team of those in charge of the country’s economy since the 70s?
Even he questions digitisation in a country where over 50 per cent are poor. Now, is this his report card or mine?”
Soon after, the Congress retorted strongly, saying instead of responding to the allegations, Modi was speaking a ‘comedian’s language’ in frustration. Rahul Gandhi, meanwhile, continued to demand answers from the Prime Minister. “He didn’t answer any of my questions, instead he ridiculed the questions. Make fun of me all you want, but you have to answer citizens’ questions,” Rahul said.