BJP demands details of Rahul Gandhi's sabbatical

The BJP on Friday countered Congress’ comments on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s frequent foreign trips by seeking details of All India Congress Committee vice president Rahul Gandhi’s recent two-month-long sabbatical.

“The prime minister was aboard for 45 days during the last one year. He made seven trips, which have resulted not only in strengthening our ties with nations across the world but also in getting investments to the tune of $99 billion into the country. The Congress should disclose where Rahul Gandhi went during his sabbatical and how much investment he has got for the country,” Union Chemicals and Fertilisers Minister Ananth Kumar said at a BJP workshop on Friday here. He was addressing BJP functionaries to mark the completion of one year of Modi government at the Centre.

Modi’s foreign trips had resulted in tie-ups with Japan, the US and China in the areas of education, industry, development of smart cities, among others, Kumar said.

The Centre’s Jan Dhan scheme and social security programmes had helped in financial inclusion of the poor, he said. He said exhibitions highlighting the achievements of the Modi government will be held at 20,000 locations across the country from May 26.

Later in the day, former chief minister B S Yeddyurappa said the reforms ushered in by the Modi government would bring visible changes in the country within the next one year.

Already, the economy has revived and the lifestyles of the people have improved, he said.
Yeddyurappa said the party should counter the Congress’ campaign against the land acquisition bill by reaching out to the people and placing facts before them.