Rahul Gandhi: When we talk of opponents, we talk with love and respect

Bathinda (Punjab), April 28: Amid the bitter war of words between Congress and BJP,

on Monday accused

of being discourteous to his opponents, adopting double standards on corruption and favouring select industrialists.

Rahul also said that the BJP Prime Ministerial candidate seeks to give an impression that development of Gujarat was his "personal" achievement and seems oblivious to the efforts of millions of people, including women who made the Amul brand a success.

"You listen to his speech (Modi), You listen to mine. You (Punjab) gave us Prime Minister. You see his (PM) speeches during the last 10 years, Sonia's (Gandhi) speeches, Congress leaders speeches, all talk with love and respect. "Even if we talk about them, (opponent), we talk with love and respect.

We never use harsh words and angry tone. But wherever they (opponents) go, they cannot speak any good, nor they can do any good for others," he said addressing a rally in favour of Congress candidate Manpreet Singh Badal.

Manpreet, estranged nephew of Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal, is locked in a battle against his sister-in-law and sitting SAD MP Harsimrat Kaur Badal. Manpreet, who is heading Peoples' Party of Punjab, is contesting the elections on a Congress symbol with CPI backing.

Rahul: We never use harsh words and angry tone

Keeping Modi at the centre of his attack, Rahul said the BJP tries to portray as if nothing was happening in Gujarat for the last 60 years. "Gujaratis built it (the state).Women of Gujarat gave Amul brand Gujaratis and Punjabis are known for their hardwork. But (according to opponents) you did nothing. For the last 60 years, people of India did nothing," Rahul said.

"Now Modi is coming and he says he will do everything, he has built Gujarat and now he says he will build country. He (Modi) boasts before thousands of people that I built Gujarat. He does not feel the need to ask anybody as if he has all the knowledge," he said.

Hitting out at BJP, Rahul said they gave India shining slogan in 2004 without realising that a large section of people including farmers, labourers and other weaker sections were not benefited.

PTI