Fri. Mar 29th, 2024

Congress President Rahul Gandhi was in Chikmagalur to address the people of poll-bound Karnataka. He however, played it by invoking the legacy of his grandmother and former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.

Indira Gandhi had a political comeback with the Lok Sabha bypoll win in Chikmagalur in 1978. He hit the chord saying that,

“You supported my grandmother when she needed it the most. I can never forget this. Whenever you need me, I will always be available. I humbly request you to bless me with your support like you supported my grandmother Indira Gandhi.”

The Chikamagalur win for Indira Gandhi came after a shocking defeat by Morarji Desai-led Janata alliance in the Lok Sabha elections of 1977. To some, the Congress is fighting a similar battle today.

Rahul Gandhi also made a visit to the 1200-year-old Sringeri Sharada Peeth. Interestingly, Indira Gandhi had performed a pooja at the Sharada Peeth and sought the blessings of the Shankaracharya before filing the nomination for the Chikmagalur bypoll. On the same line, Rajiv Gandhi too visited the temple when he was the prime minister.

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and state Congress chief G Parameshwara were with Rahul Gandhi during his visit to the temple.

Rahul Gandhi said,

“A 14-year-old told me truth is dharma… However, our PM Modi fails to understand what ‘Satyameva Jayate’ means and engages in peddling lies.”

In an attack on Narendra Modi, he said, “The Prime Minister speaks about corruption while sharing the stage with his own party members who were jailed for corruption.”

By saket