Launching an offensive against BJP in the mining heartland of Bellary, Gandhi tore into the anti-grant plank of Modi, as he spoke about the "loot" of mine-rich region during BJP's rule and the clout of Reddy brothers, who are mining barons.
"We will take strong action against the people in BJP who were involved in corruption in Bellary..." said Gandhi, for whom Bellary has a special significance as Sonia Gandhi had made her parliamentary debut in 1999 winning the seat against BJP's Sushma Swaraj in a fiercely fought contest.
Ignoring public opposition from Swaraj, BJP has admitted B Sriramulu-- a one time close associate of Reddy brothers-- into the party and fielded him as its candidate for Bellary, now represented by his sister Shanta.
Seeking to deflate anti-graft campaign of Modi, Gandhi without naming him said, "he is travelling across the country and speaking about corruption. He doesn't see Yeddyurappa, who as Chief Minister had spent some time in jail. He doesn't remember that, but goes around the country and talks about corruption."
At a rally in Mangalore, Gandhi hit out at Modi's "Congress-mukht Bharat" slogan, saying, "They say Congress should be eradicated from India. Congress is a thought and an ideology that is very old. This ideology cannot be eradicated from India. One who wanted to eradicate it, they have been wiped out.