Sonia Gandhi: If words could fill stomachs, PM Modi should speak more

UPA Chairperson and former Congress President Sonia Gandhi, in a hard-hitting campaign speech at Vijayapura, Karnataka on May 8, exuded confidence that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah would win re-election on the strength of the many welfare schemes he had brought for the people.

“We helped Karnataka emerge as India's No 1 state and initiated various welfare schemes like Anna Bhagya, Ksheera Bhagya, Krishi Yantra Dhare for people. The Siddaramaiah Govt has ensured food for all,” said Sonia Gandhi, adding that “It is disappointing to note that Congress’ opponents are mocking the schemes initiated for the welfare of the poor.”

Sonia Gandhi launched an attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying CM Siddaramaiah had reached out to PM Modi to ask for help for Karnataka's farmers, but PM Modi refused to even meet him, and thus, insulted the people of Karnataka. “PM Modi is proud of his oratory skills. If his oratory can fill hungry stomachs, he must speak more often. But PM Modi's oratory skills alone can't fill hungry stomachs, employ the unemployed, cure those suffering from diseases or empower women.”

Sonia Gandhi also said that “The country is shocked at PM Modi's wrongful statements and at his attempts at using the legacy of our freedom fighters for political gains.”

She flayed BJP on corruption issue, saying “What happened to PM Modi's promise of non-corruption? Where's Lok Pal? What is your model of anti-corruption, PM Modi—the model adopted by your candidates in Karnataka, or by the son of your closest aide?”

Sonia Gandhi dismissed the “lies” spread by BJP during the election campaign, saying “I'm confident that the people of Karnataka would see through the lies of the BJP and will re-elect Congress for inclusive governance.”