'Can there be a bigger ATM for BJP than electoral bonds?': Congress hits back at PM Modi's jibe

Udit Raj, a senior Congress leader, criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi's "ATM remarks" about the Congress party, alleging that the BJP used demonetization to turn the public into their own ATM. Raj further claimed the BJP uses electoral bonds, bank lootings, and loan waivers as their ATMs, citing Adani and Ambani as prime examples.

Udit Raj and PM Modi (R) (File photo) NEW DELHI: Senior Congress leader Udit Raj on Sunday targeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his remarks alleging that Congress uses states under its rule as "ATMs" and raised questions about the BJP's handling of electoral bonds. Raj responded to PM Modi's statements during an election rally in Maharashtra's Akola, where PM Modi claimed that states like Karnataka, Himachal Pradesh, and Telangana, governed by the grand old party are being exploited financially by the party and the Gandhi family. In his statement to ANI, Raj accused the BJP of treating citizens as a financial resource, specifically referencing demonetization in 2016.

"They made the public of the country the ATM of BJP on 8th November 2016. Can there be a bigger ATM for the BJP than Electoral Bonds? Banks are being looted. Around Rs 25 Lakhs of loan waiver is also their ATM.

Adani Ambani are their two biggest ATMs. Can they prove what they said about Karnataka? Does this behove of a Prime Minister to speak irresponsibly?" he said. Congress leader also argued that while there is evidence of “thousands of scams” under PM Modi, government agencies have not pursued investigations.

"As long as the BJP is in power, the agencies won’t take it up," he added. Prime Minister Modi, at the rally in Akola, criticised the grand old party, claiming, "Wherever Congress forms a government, that state becomes an ATM for the Congress’ royal family." He alleged that liquor sellers in Karnataka were forced to pay around Rs 700 crore to fund Congress's election efforts in Maharashtra, warning that corruption could worsen if Congress wins.

Backing PM Modi’s remarks, former Karnataka chief minister and senior BJP leader BS Yediyurappa also accused Congress of “looting” Karnataka and diverting funds to the Maharashtra elections. "What PM said is 100 percent correct. They looted here and sent the amount for the Maharashtra election," Yediyurappa said.

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