Rajasthan Assembly Elections 2018: Rahul Gandhi leaves out cow vigilantism

Congress president Rahul Gandhi addressed a rally on Tuesday in Rajasthan's Alwar, but curiously didn't take up the issue of mob lynching by cow vigilantes. This was unlike his usual style of campaigning where he raises local issues.

Alwar has witnessed two gruesome mob lynching incidents, including the killing of Pehlu Khan, for alleged cow smuggling. However, Rahul took up Rafale deal, unemployment, problems farmers' woes, etc. Taking a jibe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje, he also raised the issue of suicide by four unemployed youth in Alwar, holding PM Modi and CM Raje responsible, saying they failed to deliver.

The Congress chief also took potshots at Modi's chant of 'Bharat Mata Ki Jai'. "Chowkidar Modiji chants 'Bharat Mata Ki Jai'. PM Modi though works for Anil Ambani, and should shout 'Nirav Modi Ki Jai', 'Mehul Choksi Ki Jai'," Rahul said.

He claimed India's richest industrialists invested and marketed to help Modi become PM, and he is paying back their dues. "PM Modi avoided speaking about the controversial Rafale jet deal, corruption and black money as he was afraid the crowd will should 'chowkidaar chor hai'," Rahul added.

If elected to power, Rahul said, the Congress will ensure farmers' loans are waived off. "We will show Modi how to waive off farm loans in 10 days of forming government," he said.