Rahul hits out at PM Modi, accuses him of ignoring poor

Asserting on the need to strike a balance between the economic growth and help given to the poor, Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of ignoring farmers and poor in the country.

Addressing a rally in Thiruvananthapuram, Gandhi said that Congress' ideology is about bringing people together, whereas that of the BJP is to spread hate.

"All our leaders and workers understand that you have to create a balance between economic growth and helping the poor people. You cannot ignore the corporate but you cannot also ignore the farmers and the poor," he said.

"Congress ideology is about bringing people together and creating peace and harmony... Modi ji came to power in 2014 elections by spreading anger between different people of country. He (PM Modi) divided Hindus and Muslims and created anger in the country," he added.

Gandhi also accused the Prime Minister of turning back on the promises made to people prior to 2014 Lok Sabha polls.

"Prime Minister Modi told farmers of country that they will be protected, but the moment he took power all those promises were forgotten...PM Modi made tremendous promises to people of country. He mentioned every single Indian will be given Rs. 15 lakhs," he said.

Gandhi began his two-day visit to Kerala today, during which he is set to meet party leaders to discuss strategies for the upcoming Assembly polls in the state.

Gandhi's presence is likely to up the morale of the party workers in the backdrop of the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) government facing embarrassment in the bar bribery and solar scams, with allegations being raised against Chief Minister Oommen Chandy.