Where are 2 crore jobs you promised?: Rahul Gandhi jibe at Narendra Modi

Churu (Rajasthan): A group of youth wearing T-shirts which spelt out the “chowkidar chor hai” slogan on Monday caught the attention of Congress president Rahul Gandhi at a rally, where he attacked Prime Minister Narendra Modi over unemployment.

Addressing a public meeting in Sardarshahar town of Rajasthan’s Churu district, Mr Gandhi acknowledged the presence of some youth who were wearing the T-shirts having each letter of the slogan “chowkidar chor hai” (watchman is a thief).

“You are wearing T-shirt of the ‘chowkidar’ (watchman). You all are welcome here,” Mr Gandhi said.

The Congress chief first said Mr Modi had promised Rs 15 lakh in the bank accounts of all Indians and asked whether anyone present in the rally had received the amount.

“Chowkidarji had also promised 2 crore jobs. Anyone among you got the jobs?” Mr Gandhi asked.

Describing demonetisation and the goods and services tax as an attack on the country’s economy and employment, the Congress leader claimed lakhs of youths were left unemployed by the twin decisions.

Mr Gandhi accused Modi of giving public money to the top 15 rich people, adding that the Congress wants to give money to the poor through its proposed minimum income support scheme, Nyay.

Under the scheme, Rs 72,000 will be deposited annually in the bank accounts of the poorest 5 crore women of the country, Mr Gandhi explained.

“The money to run the scheme will not come from the bank accounts of the middle class and shopkeepers or from the pockets of honest businessmen.” He also talked about the Congress’ manifesto promise of making loan default by farmers a civil offence.