'DARO MAT, BHAGO MAT': PM MODI AFTER RAHUL GANDHI SKIPS AMETHI TO CONTEST FROM RAE BARELI

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday took a dig at Rahul Gandhi over his Rae Bareli candidature and claimed that the Congress leader is seeking another seat due to the fear of defeat in Wayanad.

Addressing a rally in West Bengal's Bardhaman, PM Modi said, "I had already told you that the prince is looking for another seat for himself due to fear of defeat in Wayanad. Now he had to run away from Amethi and choose the Rae Bareli seat."

"These people go around and tell everyone - Daro Mat! Don't be afraid! I would say the same thing to them - Daro mat! Bhago mat! don't be afraid! Do not run!" he added.

Meanwhile, Congress backed Rahul Gandhi's candidature and asserted that the Rae Bareli seat is not an inheritance but a responsibility and a duty for him.

Taking to X, Congress's senior leader Jairam Ramesh posted, "Many people have many opinions on the news of contesting elections from Rae Bareli. Remember, he is an experienced player of politics and chess. The party leadership takes its decisions after much discussion, and as part of a larger strategy. "

Taking a veiled swipe at Amit Shah, he added, "This single decision has befuddled the BJP, its supporters, and its sycophants. The BJP’s self-proclaimed Chanakya, who used to talk about 'paramparagat seat' is now not sure how to respond."

Rahul Gandhi represents Wayanad constituency from Kerala in the Lok Sabha. He is pitted against BJP's Dinesh Pratap Singh in Rae Bareli which was held by Sonia Gandhi who became a member of the upper house of the parliament.

Rahul's defeat in Amethi, once considered a Congress 'pocket borough', at the hands of Smriti Irani in the 2019 polls was seen as a significant blow to the party's national prestige.

Congress party has also named Kishori Lal Sharma, a party loyalist from Amethi. Union minister Smriti Irani has already filed her nomination as the BJP candidate for Amethi.

Friday is the last date for filing nominations for the seats that will go to the polls on May 20 in the fifth phase of the seven-phase general elections.

PM Modi has accused the Congress party of planning to amend the Constitution based on religious grounds if they come to power. He challenged the party to provide a written statement assuring that they will not alter the Constitution or take away reservations for SCs, STs, and OBCs in favor of individuals based on their faith.

"I challenge Congress and the INDI Alliance to give a written statement that they will not amend the Constitution on religious basis; Give a written statement that they will not take away the reservations of SCs, STs and OBCs and give it to other person based on his faith; Give a written statement that in states where Congress is the ruling govt, they will not take away reservations for SCs, STs and OBCs and give it to other person based on his faith," he said.