Rahul Gandhi takes on Centre, says 'acche din' govt. has failed India

Launching a frontal attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led NDA, Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi on Monday said the 'acche din' government has failed the country.

"The 'achche din' government has failed the country on minimum support price and agriculture credit. In our time, agriculture grew. The average increase in credit was 20 percent each year," Gandhi said in his first speech in the 16th Lok Sabha.

"The "achche din" government has given only an increase of five percent MSP, agricultural credit has not been improved and agricultural growth is one percent," he added.

The Congress vice-president also questioned Prime Minister Modi's commitment towards the farming community.

"The Prime Minister said he will look out for the farmers. How will you strengthen the country when the foundation is the farmers?" he asked.

"How much area has been affected by unseasonal rains? Are the experts right, is the PM right or is the Agricultural Ministry right?" he added.

Rahul also advised Prime Minister Modi to go and see how much area has been affected.

"I have a suggestion. Why doesn't the PM go and see for himself how much area has been affected?" he said.

"One thing is clear. This government is ignoring the farmers and doesn't listen to labourers. It is the truth that your government is ignoring the farmers and that is why you are raising the voices," he added.

The Congress scion also made a barb at Union Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari.

"I want to praise Mr. Gadkari because he is one minister here who speaks the truth. He said that farmers shouldn't rely on God or this government," he said.

The controversial Land Ordinance was tabled in the Lok Sabha by Union Minister of State for Skill Development Rajiv Pratap Rudy today amid uproar by the opposition leaders.

The bill could not be converted into a law in the first half of the Budget Session due to opposition in the Rajya Sabha, where the government does not have requisite numbers, and was re-promulgated on April 3- a day before it was to lapse.