PM Modi is Anil Ambani's 'Chowkidar,' not of nation: Rahul Gandhi

Launching a scathing attack, Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Saturday said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is "Chowkidar" of Anil Ambani, and not of the nation.

Gandhi, who was addressing a public gathering here, said: "When I raised questions over Rafale deal, PM Modi couldn't see into my eyes. He said he wants to be 'Chowkidar' of the country but he is 'Chowkidar' of Anil Ambani whose Rs 45,000 cr debt was waived off, and also gave him Rs 30,000 crore Rafale jet deal."

"Why was Anil Ambani given the deal? And why was HAL sidelined, stealing many job opportunities from the youths of Karnataka," he asked.

"The slogan of 'Acche Din Aayenge' has changed into 'Chowkidar Chor Hai," he said.

He stated that the BJP wanted to divide the nation into two parts-"One for people like Anil Ambani, Mehul Choksi and the other for poor farmers, labourers, and the marginalised ones."

"We want one nation where everyone gets justice," said the Congress president.

Talking about the removal of Alok Verma from the post of CBI, Rahul said: "The CBI Director was removed at midnight because he wanted to start an inquiry into the Rafale deal. Even after the Supreme Court reversed the removal, PM Modi removed him again."

Gandhi also targeted Prime Minister Modi for stating that the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MNREGA) scheme was a mistake, he said: "PM Modi has mocked the MNREGA scheme. He has reduced the funding to the scheme."

"Congress is going to implement another historic policy-Minimum Income Guarantee. Modi can give Rs 30,000 crore to Anil Ambani but we will provide a minimum income to every poor citizen," he said.

"A few days ago, Prime Minister Modi came to Karnataka and said that we are giving a lollipop to farmers in the form of farm loan waivers. The Prime Minister of this country has referred to Rs 11,000 crore farm loan-waiver as a lollipop," he quipped.

Rahul said that one of the first decisions if the Congress forms the government at the Centre, would be to pass the Women's Reservation Bill. "Demonetisation and GST caused a huge loss to the economy. We will also reform the GST if voted to power at the Centre," said Rahul.