I will ensure Modi's defeat with a 'jhappi', love: Rahul Gandhi

Rahul Gandhi tore into the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government on Saturday charging them with "spreading hatred" and "favouring big businessmen at the cost of poor farmers and daily wage workers".

The Congress president said he will ensure Modi's defeat in Lok Sabha elections with a 'jhappi' and love, while affirming that prime minister's remarks about his family do not affect him.

"The decision is yours. On one side, there is 'chowkidaar', lies and hatred, on the other hand, there is the Congress party. It does not matter to me, he can say whatever he wants about me and my family. I will take all the hate he will give me. I will ensure his defeat with love and hug. On May 23, people will ensure that hatred cannot be beaten by hatred but only by love," the Gandhi scion said at his campaign rally.

Gandhi, once again, cornered Modi over notes ban and alleged that money allocated for employment scheme MNREGA was given to big businessmen.

"Modi ji introduced demonetisation and Ghabar Singh Tax and took the entire money of the poor farmers and daily wagers... And let me tell you, Rs 35,000 crore was allocated to run MNREGA, that money was given to big businessmen like Mehul Choksi and Anil Ambani. If you google Modi and Ambani's name you will see photos of two hugging," he said.

Renewing his attack over the Rafale deal, an issue promptly used by his party these elections, Rahul said Modi brokered the deal with France to benefit Anil Ambani.

"When Congress was in power, we announced that Hindustan Aeronautic Limit should be given the contract. But Modi ji went to France and brokered the deal on the behalf of (Anil) Ambani ji and gave him the contract," said the Amethi lawmaker.

With Lok Sabha elections entering the final lap and the results a fortnight away, Rahul vowed to ensure protection to farmer "land, water and forest", saying his party will break the "handcuffs" Modi has "confined them" with.

"Give us permission, we want to free you. Modi ji, over five years, has confined you. We will break handcuffs that have been put by Modi ji. We will address the most important issue of the poor--farmer and tribal- is his land, water, and forest. We will ensure the safety of your forest, water, and land. They belong to you and will stay the same," Rahul told the gathering.

"If anybody wants to take your land, he will have to seek your agreement after which land will be sold at four times the market price... We will ensure this rule is implemented in the country," the Congress president said.

Third of the four phases in Madhya Pradesh will be held on May 12 with eight seats going to polls, including the highly priced Lok Sabha parliamentary constituency. The last leg of voting in the state is on May 19 and counting will be held on May 23.