Rahul hits out at Modi, takes on BJP in mining heartland

We will run a government committed to social justice, says Rahul

Taking potshots at Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)'s prime ministerial Narendra Modi, Congress Vice-President Rahul Gandhi on Friday accused him of ignoring corruption in BJP-ruled states, while harping on graft and trashed his "Congress-free India" slogan, saying those who thought so themselves were wiped out.

Launching an offensive against BJP in the mining heartland of Bellary, Rahul tore into the anti-grant plank of Modi, as he spoke about the "loot" of mine-rich region during the BJP's rule and the clout of Reddy brothers, who are mining barons.

“We will take strong action against the people in BJP who were involved in corruption in Bellary” said Rahul, for whom Bellary has a special significance, as Sonia Gandhi had made her parliamentary debut in 1999 winning the seat against BJP's Sushma Swaraj in a fiercely fought contest.

In an apparent dig at Reddy brothers — Janardhana and Karunakara-- without naming them, Rahul said, “Those corrupt people who are in jail and corrupt practices will not be seen again.”

Ignoring public opposition from Swaraj, BJP has admitted B Sriramulu— a one time close associate of Reddy brothers-- into the party and fielded him as its candidate for Bellary, now represented by his sister Shanta.

Seeking to deflate anti-graft campaign of Modi, Rahul without naming him said, “he is travelling across the country and speaking about corruption. He doesn’t see Yeddyurappa, who as chief minister had spent some time in jail. He doesn't remember that but goes around the country and talks about corruption.”