BJP, RSS imposing single ideology on nation: Rahul Gandhi

Continuing his tirade against Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi on Friday accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) of attempting to impose single ideology on the nation and create friction within the people.

Gandhi, who was addressing a rally in Barak Valley in Southern Assam, said the Congress Party wants a nation where everybody's ideas and views are respected.

"But the RSS and BJP want to impose a single ideology. Wherever they go, they make one Indian fight with another," he added.

The Congress vice-president also used the occasion to counter Prime Minister Modi's criticism of the grand old party in the Lok Sabha yesterday.

"In his one-hour speech yesterday, the Prime Minister made personal attacks on me, read out quotes of Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi but did not respond to my queries. You must have seen how we are putting pressure on the government in Delhi," he said.

He further said the Congress Party believes there should be space for every religion, individual, caste and creed in the country.

The Congress vice-president also criticised the government over the promise of bringing back black money stashed in safe havens abroad.

"Prime Minister Modi launched a 'Fair and Lovely scheme' to help tax evaders turn black or untaxed money into white. The government promised to jail all those who are found guilty in black money, but Arun Jaitley has brought this 'Fair and Lovely' scheme. The Indians can convert black money into white with the help of this scheme," he said.

The Congress vice-president, who is presently on a two-day visit to the state, had earlier last month addressed four rallies in northern and upper Assam.

Gandhi's visit assumes significance as Assam votes in two phases on April 4 and 11 to elect a new government.