Rahul Gandhi's takes a swipe at PM Modi, says PM should meet farmers during his India visit

New Delhi, Apr 29: After returning from meeting with rain-hit Punjab farmers, Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday attacked the Narendra Modi-led government in the Lok Sabha and called it as 'anti-farmer'.

"It's our government and your government but not the farmers and labourers' government. Farmers are dying and your minister from Haryana calls them coward," said Rahul Gandhi in Lok Sabha amid shouts from BJP MPs.

Taking a swipe at PM Modi's back to back foreign tours, the Amethi MP said since PM is on India tour now, he should visit Punjab to meet farmers there.

"Now that the PM is visiting India, can he visit the suffering farmers too?" asked Rahul.

Taking a jibe at Modi's 'Make in India' initiative, Gandhi scion asked whether farmers are not contributing to 'Make in India' by providing food to the entire country.

"Prime Minister (Modi) speaks of 'Make in India'. But no one does 'Make in India' more than a farmer. He has established this country. Is the work done by poor not 'Make in India'? Is it something else?" Rahul asked.

Soon after Rahul's speech, Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) MP from Punjab Harsimrat Kaur Badal said, "Where was he when the farmers were dying due to unseasonal rain? This government was not on vacation when the farmers were losing crops due to rain. Hence, the MP shouldn't get involved in such dramas."

Earlier in the day, vowing to raise voice for farmers from very platform, Rahul said government should take into account their serious concerns and not just extend monetary assistance.

His remarks came a day after the Parkash Singh Badal government in Punjab announced disbursement of Rs 4,000 crore to farmers within 24 hours as payment for their harvest.

The Congress Vice President, who met farmers hit by unseasonal rains in Punjab and stayed there overnight after travelling by train to the NDA-ruled state.

BJP and its ally in Punjab SAD have termed Rahul's visit as a "political drama" over the land bill.

Yesterday, Rahul visited the 'mandis' of Sirhind, Gobindgarh and Khanna, the latter housing the country's largest grain market.

OneIndia News