PM Modi brings shame to 'chowkidars': Rahul Gandhi

Training guns on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Friday said the Prime Minister has brought shame to word "chowkidar" (watchman).

Gandhi, who often uses the word 'chowkidar' in reference to the Prime Minister, said that the situation is such that whenever the word is uttered people immediately respond and say "chor hai" (is a thief).

Previously Gandhi scion had used the slogan "Gali gali mein shor hai, Chowkidar chor hai' to insinuate that the Prime Minister indulged in acts of corruption.

Elaborating on this, Gandhi said: "Wherever you go and say the word "chowkidar", there comes a reply "chor hai". I want to apologise to the chowkidars of the country because it is not your mistake, you all are not thieves, you all are honest and hardworking. Only one person has brought disgrace to you. The Prime Minister of the country has defamed all the chowkidars".

Attacking Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Gandhi said: "On the one hand, there is Shivraj Chouhan who has been the Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh for 15 years and enjoys all power and resources. On the other hand, there is the Congress who represents the voice of people. A few days ago, I said by mistake that Shivraj ji's son is involved in Panama papers. Within a minute, he said he will file a defamation case against me. When I talk about Vyapam, e-tendering, illegal mining and mid-day meal, why don't you file defamation? It means there is truth in them."

Gandhi also accused Prime Minister Modi of breaking the trust of the people by making hollow promises. He said before coming to power in 2014, the Prime Minister used to talk about combating corruption, unemployment and farmers' welfare but is now silent on these issues.

The 230-Madhya Pradesh Assembly will go to polls on November 28 and the counting of votes will be held on December 11.

The Assembly election in the state is being seen as a direct political battle between the BJP and the Congress. While Chouhan is eyeing to secure his fourth consecutive term as the chief minister of the state, the Congress party is looking to regain the power after 2003.