Rahul Gandhi’s latest tactics have once again showcased to the country the difference between a people’s elected leader and an heir, snubbed because he wasn’t handed over the Prime Minister’s seat. PM Modi and Rahul Gandhi have both visited Kerala and a glimpse into their interactions with the people, conveys the stark difference between the two.
PM Modi was in Kerala yesterday and even though BJP didn’t open its account in Kerala, he was extremely cordial towards the people. While listing the steps taken by the centre to counter the Nipah virus plaguing the cattle in Kerala, PM Modi said that the BJP was not working for mere electoral politics and was keen on the country’s progress.
PM Modi stated, “Many people must be wondering why Modi has come to Kerala to give a speech after BJP didn’t even open its account in Kerala in the recently-held Lok Sabha election… But I don’t differentiate between my countrymen… For me, the people of Kerala are just as much my own, as the people of Varanasi.” He added, “Elections have their place in democracy and it is the responsibility of the winner to take care of 130 crore people. Those who made us win or those who did not, both are our (people).”
In a strange twist of events, Rahul Gandhi too had planned a three day visit to Kerala, with his constituency Wayanad being part of the visit. Wayanad was the same constituency from which he had decided to contest as a last minute resort after it had become abundantly clear that BJP candidate Smriti Irani is going to win from Amethi. The Congress has won 15 seats from Kerala, including Wayanad.
In a striking contrast to PM Modi’s message of inclusive development, Rahul Gandhi was spewing hatred. He continued to peddle the same agenda of intolerance and even resorted to insulting the Indian electorate.
He said that PM Modi represents the worst sentiment of the country, which is, anger, lies and intolerance. He added, “At a national level, we’re fighting poison. Narendra Modi uses poison, I’m using a strong word but Mr Narendra Modi uses poison of hatred to divide this country.”
It is pertinent to note that this was Rahul Gandhi’s first visit to Wayanad after the elections. Instead of focusing on the positives and developing the state, for which he had been elected, Rahul Gandhi couldn’t resist from resorting to his immature tactics. For the first time since the 1984 elections, a historic mandate of 303 seats has been achieved and Rahul Gandhi believes the PM has “divided the country”, when in fact, this mandate could only be possible through unity amongst the people. He essentially stated that Indian electorate has chosen hate over love.
The contrast between the two leaders could not be starker. PM Modi has come out as a magnanimous and dignified winner, who, despite losing in the state is focusing on inclusive development. On the other hand, Rahul Gandhi, who is in the parliament solely because of Kerala, has continued with the same vile propaganda. The Gandhi scion needs to understand that the people want development and welfare, not be a part of hate mongering speeches.
