As the fifth phase of the Lok Sabha elections approaches on Monday, campaigning is in full swing. This phase will involve voting in 49 constituencies across six states and two Union territories. Notable candidates include Union ministers Rajnath Singh (Lucknow) and Smriti Irani (Amethi), and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, contesting from both Rae Bareli and Kerala’s Wayanad.
During a rally in Delhi, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi called for a debate with PM Narendra Modi, criticizing Modi for only granting interviews to select journalists. Gandhi stated, “I am ready, Narendra Modi can have a debate with me wherever he wants. What do you think, will he come to have a debate with me? No, he can’t… Narendra Modi can’t have a debate.”
Gandhi also accused PM Modi of copying his speech terms, particularly “thaka thak” and “phata phat.” He emphasized the INDIA Alliance’s promise to provide financial support to poor families, claiming that Modi has started using his phrases in speeches.
Gandhi mentioned how he prompted Modi to mention Adani and Ambani in his speeches, which Modi did days later. He told the rally attendees, “Tell me whatever you want Narendra Modi to say, I will make him say that in his speeches.”
BJP leader Shaina NC criticized AAP for playing the victim card in the Swati Maliwal case. She emphasized the need for justice and accused AAP of blaming BJP without solutions.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh accused Congress of endangering democracy during Indira Gandhi’s tenure and dismissed opposition claims that the Constitution is at risk if BJP wins.
At Ramlila Maidan, Gandhi accused BJP of intending to abolish the Constitution, stating that the opposition must safeguard it.
Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal urged people to decide his fate, implying that voting for BJP would send him to jail, while voting for AAP would keep him free.
Democracy Runs in Modi’s Veins: PM Modi emphasized his commitment to democracy, stating, “I live for democracy; democracy runs in my veins.”
Call for Strong Government: Modi reiterated the need for a strong government, expressing his honor to serve India.
Economic Concerns: Modi warned against policies that could bankrupt India, urging support for BJP’s economic vision. Criticism of Congress: Modi accused Congress of having an anti-India agenda and claimed that they would undo his achievements over the past decade.
