PM Silent on Sabarimala Issue, Doesn’t Care About Religion, Claims Rahul Gandhi

Pathanamthitta: Lashing out a scathing attack on Narendra Modi, senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Monday alleged that the Prime Minister remained silent on the Sabarimala issue during his visit to Kerala, showing that the BJP-LDF was working together. Addressing the Congress election meeting in Adoor, the Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha claimed that the party is facing a “combination” of CPI(M) and BJP in the April 9 Assembly elections.

“We are fighting an election fight against the LDF, which is fully supported by the BJP. There is the UDF on one side and the CPI(M)-BJP combination on the other side,” he said.

He alleged that the BJP had a “hidden hand” in Kerala, a concept often used by market economists.

“BJP does not want UDF here because they know Congress is the only force challenging them at the national level. We have an ideological fight with BJP and RSS,” he said.

He also claimed that while opposition leaders are facing actions by central agencies, no such pressure is being exerted on the LDF leadership in Kerala.

“I came across 36 cases and was constantly interrogated for 55 hours. But there is no such action against the Kerala chief minister or the LDF leaders,” he alleged.

Referring to Modi’s speech in Palakkad on Sunday, Gandhi said the Prime Minister often talks about temples and religion but remains silent on Sabarimala.

“He forgot to talk about Sabarimala. He did not talk about issues related to Lord Ayyappa temple. This shows that BJP and LDF are working together,” he said in the area where Lord Ayyappa temple is located.

The Congress leader also alleged that the Prime Minister raises religious issues only when it suits the interests of the voters.

“If it brings him (Modi) votes, he will talk about temples. Otherwise, he will remain silent,” he said.

He claimed that once the UDF came to power, those responsible for the alleged temple-related irregularities would be held accountable.