'We have finished Modi psychologically': Rahul Gandhi's stringent attack at PM in J&K

NEW DELHI: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, addressing a poll rally in J&K's Sangaldan on Wednesday, said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has lost his confidence after the recent Lok Sabha elections. Rahul asserted that Modi government will no longer be in power.

He further alleged that the Central government is controlled by PM Modi, Union home Minister Amit Shah, and their corporate allies.

At the Banihal Assembly constituency rally, Gandhi attacked the Modi administration for its handling of unemployment and economic policies such as GST and demonetisation. He alleged these policies have adversely affected small businesses and cater to the interests of two billionaires.

"I was told not to name Modi's corporate friends Adani and Ambani so I am using aliases like A1 and A2 for them. This government is like 'we two, our two' -- Modi and Shah, and Ambani and Adani -- these four are actually running the government," Gandhi said.

The Congress leader also accused the Central government of revoking Jammu and Kashmir's statehood through the abrogation of Article 370 to benefit these two billionaires. He highlighted that the region has the highest unemployment rate in the country and that the government has failed to create job opportunities for the youth.

"We have finished Modi psychologically. I sit in front of him in Parliament and I know his confidence is gone... Now a little time has left, we will remove Modi and BJP from government," former Congress president continued, adding that Modi's confidence has waned because of the opposition's unity under the INDIA bloc.

"First Modi said there would be no caste-based census but we insisted on it. The RSS is now saying it is right. We opposed the lateral entry system and put pressure on the government. Now he is frightened," Gandhi said, referencing the opposition's stance on key issues.

He pointed out a change in the Prime Minister's demeanor compared to previous elections. "You have seen that in earlier elections Modi used to come with a broad chest and make long speeches. But now he is holding the book of constitution on his head while entering Parliament."

Gandhi also criticised Modi's purported connection with divinity, saying, "This (Lok Sabha) election, Modi got a direct message from God. You may feel that you are talking directly to God but He is only listening to the masses and working accordingly," LoP said.

The rally in Banihal was held in support of Congress candidate Vikar Rasool Wani, former Jammu and Kashmir unit chief. Gandhi is also scheduled to address another meeting in Dooru assembly segment under Anantnag district for Ghulam Ahmed Mir.

The grand old party's campaign has started, mainly for the first phase of the Jammu and Kashmir assembly polls, which is set for voting sessions on September 18, 25, and October 1 to elect 90 members.

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