In Karnataka, Narendra Modi mocks Sonia, Rahul as 'Nakli Gandhis'

Davangere, Karnataka: Narendra Modi today mocked Sonia and Rahul Gandhi as "Nakli (fake)" Gandhis and described the Congress as the twin sister of corruption.

While launching his party's campaign in Karnataka for the national election due by May, Mr Modi also made a reference to the Congress' expelled MP L Rajagopal who used pepper spray in Parliament." "The Congress usually throws dirt at people's eyes, now it is using mirchi (pepper)," he remarked.

The BJP's prime ministerial candidate was addressing a gathering at Davangere, the first of his rallies today in Karnataka two days after Rahul Gandhi's visit to the state. Sharing the stage with him was former Chief Minister BS Yeddyurappa, who recently rejoined the BJP, a year after quitting in the middle of a corruption scandal.

"When Mahatma Gandhi was alive, the Congress party was a 'soch' (philosophy). Ever since the Nakli Gandhis have come, the Congress party is worried," Mr Modi said, referencing Rahul Gandhi's comment at a party meet that the "Congress is a soch."

Mr Modi peppered his speech with jibes at the Congress number 2, who is seen as his rival for the post of prime minister. "Congress leaders say they worry about women's empowerment. If you are genuinely worried about women, then at least work on controlling inflation so they can sleep peacefully," he said.

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Rahul Gandhi had said during his visit that India cannot be a superpower unless its women are empowered and given equal opportunity in politics.

The BJP is banking on Mr Modi to help regain its sliding base in Karnataka, which voted the party to power in 2008 and became its gateway to the south. In the 2009 Lok Sabha polls, the BJP won 19 of 28 seats.

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