BJP prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi represents an ideology that challenges the idea of India, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said Wednesday.
Modi was not just an individual, Gandhi told the media here at an event where the Congress released its manifesto for the Lok Sabha election.
"The issue here is of an ideology that is quashing the fundamentals of what this country stands for, and that is what I am against," Gandhi said.
He said it was not a question of "personal like or dislike for an individual but the dangers represented by ths ideology".
Gandhi acknowledged that there were shortcomings in the Congress primaries held to pick Lok Sabha candidates but asserted that it was a powerful idea.
"Fifteen candidates have been chosen by primaries and this demonstrated that the decision on selecting candidates can be made by taking into account the inputs of a large number of party members," he said.
--Ino Asian News Service
abh-rn/mr/rd
You’ve reached your limit of {{free_limit}} free articles this month.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
Already subscribed? Log in
Subscribe to read the full story →
Smart Quarterly
₹900
3 Months
₹300/Month
Smart Essential
₹2,700
1 Year
₹225/Month
Super Saver
₹3,900
2 Years
₹162/Month
Renews automatically, cancel anytime
Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans
Exclusive premium stories online
Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors


Complimentary Access to The New York Times
News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic
Business Standard Epaper
Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share


Curated Newsletters
Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox
Market Analysis & Investment Insights
In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor


Archives
Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997
Ad-free Reading
Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements


Seamless Access Across All Devices
Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app
