...
...
Next Story

Rahul Gandhi claims he can influence Narendra Modi's speeches: 'Thaka thak, phata phat'

Rahul Gandhi said he had urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to mention industrialists Adani and Ambani in his speeches, which he did a few days later.

Published on: May 18, 2024 09:34 PM IST
Advertisement

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Saturday claimed he can influence Prime Minister Narendra Modi's speeches, suggesting that the BJP leader adopts his phrases and talking points.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi with party candidates Udit Raj and Kanhaiya Kumar during a rally for Lok Sabha elections, in New Delhi, Saturday, May 18, 2024. (PTI)
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi with party candidates Udit Raj and Kanhaiya Kumar during a rally for Lok Sabha elections, in New Delhi, Saturday, May 18, 2024. (PTI)

Speaking at an election rally in Delhi, Rahul Gandhi said, “Tell me whatever you want Narendra Modi to say, I will make him say that in his speeches.”

“I told him, 'Narendra Modi, you don't mention the names of Adani-Ambani. You should mention their names.' 2-3 days later, Narendra Modi said ‘Adani-Ambani, Adani-Ambani’,” Gandhi said, referring to the prime minister's recent speech in Telangana where he accused the Congress of having a "deal" with billionaire industrialists Mukesh Ambani and Gautam Adani.

Read: Rahul Gandhi, Akhilesh Yadav hit out at PM Modi on Rae Bareli-Amethi campaign trail

The Congress leader reiterated his promise to the underprivileged women of India, wherein the INDIA bloc would prepare a list of impoverished families and deposit 1 lakh per annum into the accounts of selected women from these families.

Sharing another instance where he felt the prime minister had mimicked his rhetoric, he added, “I used 'thaka thak' in my speech. Narendra Modi has now started using 'thaka thak, phata phat' in all his speeches. Tell me whatever you want him to say, I will make him say it.”

Read: Rahul Gandhi displaying red Chinese constitution, ours blue: Himanta Biswa Sarma

Gandhi urged workers of the Congress party and of the Aam Aadmi Party to work together and ensure victory for their alliance on all seven Lok Sabha seats in the national capital.

"It's interesting that I'll vote for AAP and Arvind Kejriwal will vote for Congress in these elections," he said.

Continuing his attack on the prime minister, the Congress leader said, "PM Modi is giving non-stop interviews to his favourite journalists but he will not have a debate with me because he knows he cannot answer my questions."

"PM Modi talks about the Congress getting tempo-loads of money from Adani-Ambani, but he doesn't dare to get it probed," he said.

"I'm ready to debate with PM Modi whenever and wherever he wants, but I'm sure he won't come. The first question I would ask PM Modi is what is his relationship with Adani, next I want to ask him about electoral bonds," the former Congress chief said.

Gandhi also hit out at the media, alleging they were "friends of 2-3 industrialists" as they would either show Ambani weddings, Bollywood stars or Narendra Modi on their channels round the clock. "Still, stringers and cameramen working for these media houses will vote for Congress only," he said.

 
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
HT News Desk

Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.

Follow India news real-time updates and the latest news covered on Hindustan Times, featuring today's critical updates on Sonam Wangchuk LIVE and more across India.
Follow India news real-time updates and the latest news covered on Hindustan Times, featuring today's critical updates on Sonam Wangchuk LIVE and more across India.
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Hindustantimes wants to start sending you push notifications. Click allow to subscribe