Modi vs Congress: PM ‘hits out’ at Gandhis in San Jose speech

The Congress on Monday hit back at Prime Minister Narendra Modi after he accused the party of corruption when it governed India, in his speech in San Jose, California.

The Congress on Monday hit back at Prime Minister Narendra Modi after he accused the party of corruption when it governed India, in his speech in San Jose, California.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses the crowd during a community reception at SAP Center in San Jose, California September 27, 2015. REUTERS/Stephen Lam(REUTERS)

“When the prime minister makes allegations, it would be worth a while to introspect and reflect of reality of his 14 months of governance,” said party leader Manish Tewari in Delhi.

Modi, while addressing the Indian diaspora at the SAP Centre in San Jose, had accused Congress president Sonia Gandhi’s son-in-law Robert Vadra of making “crores” of money.

“In our country it doesn’t take much for allegations to come up against politicians--someone made 50 crores, someone’s son made 250 crores, (someone’s) daughter made 500 crores, (someone’s) damaad (son-in-law) made 1000 crores,” he said without naming anybody.

“Is the country not disappointed (with corruption in India?” he asked the crowd.

“Is there not anger against corruption. I am standing before you. Tell me if there is any allegation against me.”

“Today, after 16 months, I want a certificate from you. Have I kept my promise? Am I working hard, day and night?” he asked.

While Modi’s reference to sons and daughters of politicians being corrupt is seen as a reference to culture of corruption in the country, the reference to son-in-law is seen as a barb at alleged land deals entered into by Vadra with the some state governments.