Former JNU Students' Union president Kanhaiya Kumar Wednesday alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi was spreading lies in order to once again assume the top post after the Lok Sabha polls.
Kumar, who is facing sedition charges for allegedly raising anti-India slogans on the JNU campus in February 2016, said it was his right to question the BJP government over its "failure" to provide jobs or strengthening education and health sector.
"To become the PM again, he (Modi) is spreading lies one after another. His act is tarnishing Gujarat's image. Modiji you have to tell us what you have done during your tenure. You cannot stop me from seeking answers," he said while addressing a rally in Rajkot city.
Along with Kumar, independent MLA in Gujarat and Dalit leader Jignesh Mevani and Patidar leader Hardik Patel were also present in Rajkot to address 'Save Constitution Save Nation Rally', organised by former Congress MLA Indranil Rajyaguru.
Accusing the BJP of indulging in polarisation ahead of general elections, Kumar urged people to understand the party's "tactics" and remain united.
"A government is elected to create employment, construct schools and hospitals. It is my right to question the government. But when I seek answers, I am given threats. But I am not afraid of anyone," Kumar said.
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Seeking to come clean on the charges levelled against him, Kumar said he never raised any anti-India slogans at the JNU.
"I have never raised any anti-India slogans. We all want 'azadi' (freedom) from our miseries. Our fight is all about abolishing discrimination and bringing equality as envisaged in our Constitution. But today, attempts are being made to destroy the very core of our Constitution," he said.
In his address, Mevani attacked the BJP saying the ruling party was stressing the Ram temple issue to divert people's attention from key issues, such as unemployment.
"People who had promised to give two crore jobs every year are now talking about Ram temple and Kumbh as elections are approaching. People did not vote them to power to build temples and mosques. People gave them votes for jobs and better education facilities," Mevani said.
Referring to the Statue of Unity, he said people want the government to build hospitals for the poor, not statues dedicated to Sardar Patel or Dr B R Ambedkar.
He added that 60 crore youths of this country have decided to uproot the BJP in the Lok Sabha elections.
On the 10 per cent EWS quota approved by the Modi government, Hardik Patel, another vocal critic of the BJP, claimed that he was presented in bad light for demanding the same for the un-reserved classes.
"I was even labelled as a Congress pawn. I was accused of doing divisive politics. And now, when the BJP government itself approved such quota, people are saying it was a masterstroke by Modiji," he said.
In a stern warning, Hardik said even if he is imprisoned for the sedition charges, he will take "revenge" when his time comes.
Ahead of the rally, the trio also addressed a press conference in Rajkot.
At the press meet, Kanhaiya Kumar said the BJP government is scared of them ever since they have started organising such rallies aimed at saving Constitution.
He said though he belong to a humble family, he has been labelled as anti-national.
"I challenge Modi to send me behind bars if I have committed a crime. He cannot, because the Constitution still prevails in our country," Kumar told reporters.
During the press meet, Hardik, who is also facing sedition charges, said he and Kumar are innocent till the court convicts them.
The Patidar leader claimed that though he has made up is mind to contest the Lok Sabha polls, he was yet to decide on the seat.
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