Modi to Priyanka: Be ready to face criticism in public life

BJP’s Prime Ministerial nominee Narendra Modi on Wednesday assailed Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, wife of Robert Vadra, saying that in public life, people must be ready to face allegations levelled against them.

“Some allegations were levelled against one family. They were uncomfortable with it. They were troubled by it. No one was publishing those allegations until a newspaper in America published it...,” Modi said, addressing a public rally in Kalol in Gandhinagar parliamentary constituency.  

“...The word ‘democracy’ does not suit those people who are unable to face criticism in public life,” Modi said, referring to comments made by Priyanka Vadra yesterday.

Priyanka had for the first time yesterday addressed the issue of allegations of corruption levelled against her husband, Robert Vadra.

She had said that her family was being humiliated and there were several things that were being said about her husband.

“The more they humiliate us, the stronger we become. I am saddened by the attacks, but I have learnt that truth becomes courage,” she had said.

In apparent reference to the Gandhi family, Modi stated, “You have become strong by looting this country for the last 60 years. The issue is not you becoming strong, but the country becoming strong.”

Forty-two-year-old Priyanka Gandhi Vadra is not contesting the Lok Sabha elections, but is campaigning for her mother Sonia Gandhi and her brother Rahul Gandhi, who are contesting from Uttar Pradesh’s Raebareli and Amethi constituencies respectively.

“The government run by mother-son (Sonia-Rahul) has looted this country. Corruption has become institutionalised. All natural resources have been looted. Shouldn’t they answer these questions?” Modi said.

Hitting out at the Congress-led UPA government over the issue of black money, Modi said, “The money looted from the country has been deposited in banks in foreign countries. Shouldn’t black money be brought back from foreign countries? Who will say ‘No’ to bringing back black money? Those whose money are deposited in banks in foreign countries are sceptical about bringing back black money.”

The only objective, Modi said, of the ruling party is ‘Modi roko’ (Stop Modi).

“They know where there place will be after May 16 (counting of votes). That is why, they are sweating now. They will have to give account of everything they did in the last ten years,” he said.

He said just as the Congress party was destroyed in Gujarat, it would be destroyed across the country. He also said Congress party would not open its tally in many of the states and would struggle to reach double digit in many states.   

The Congress party, he stated, has not been able to provide answer to even a single question raised by him in the election rallies.

He also addressed three other rallies in Deesa (Banaskantha constituency), Himmatnagar (Sabarkantha constituency) and Jamnagar (Jamnagar constituency) apart from addressing rallies through 3D holographic technology.