'PM Modi More Interested In Israel': Rahul Gandhi Kickstarts Mizoram Poll Campaign, Slams BJP Over Manipur Violence

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi lashed out at the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) over the conflict-hit Manipur and said that it has destroyed the idea of a state and that it is no longer one but two states. He also added that the people have been murdered and women have been molested, but the Prime Minister does not find it important to travel to Manipur.

The former Congress president on Monday arrived on a two-day visit to Mizoram. He also took part in a padyatra from Chanmari (Aizawl) to Raj Bhawan. Addressing a rally in poll-bound Mizoram, Rahul said that his impression of the state was formed when he was 16 years old and came with his father in 1986. He added that the people of Mizoram are gentle, kind, and affectionate.

#WATCH | Congress MP Rahul Gandhi in Mizoram's Aizawal

"Some months ago, I went to Manipur. The idea of Manipur has been destroyed by the BJP. It is no longer a state, but two states. People have been murdered, women have been molested and babies have been killed but the PM… pic.twitter.com/ngImqPaEap

— ANI (@ANI) October 16, 2023

Speaking about the GST, Rahul said that it is aimed at destorying small and medium businesses and is designed to weaken farmers in India. He called demonetization a ridiculous idea by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

"The economy still hasn’t recovered. If you want to understand PM’s strategy for developing India's economy, it can be summed up in one word 'Adani. Everything is designed to help one businessman...so that is the state of the nation…," said Rahul Gandhi as quoted by news agency ANI.

The senior Congress leader also asserted that the Congress had ushered in peace in the insurgency-hit northeastern state with the signing of a peace accord in 1986.

"It is amazing to me that the PM and the Government of India is so interested in what is happening in Israel (Israel-Hamas conflict) but not interested at all in what is happening in Manipur, where people have been murdered, women molested and babies killed," he said as quoted by news agency PTI.

On Tuesday, Rahul Gandhi will first hold a meeting with the state party leaders at the Aijal Club and then address the media before going to Lunglei, where he will speak at an election rally. During his two-day stay, the senior Congress leader might announce the names of the party candidates for the Assembly polls.

(With input from agencies)