Bapu wanted to unite India, Modi wants to divide: Rahul

Tug of war to claim and reclaim the legacy of Mahatma Gandhi intensified between the arch rivals, Congress and BJP on his 149th birth anniversary on Tuesday. While the Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tributes to Mahatma Gandhi saying his principle of ‘ahimsa’ has the power to unite humanity when terrorism, radicalisation, extremism and mindless hate are dividing nations, the Congress president Rahul Gandhi targeted the Prime Minister saying while “Gandhiji wanted to unite India, Modi wants to divide the nation”.

The Congress also gave a clarion call to launch the “second freedom struggle to oust the Modi government and rid the country of divisive and autocratic forces” and combat the ideology of “hate and violence.” he was addressing party leaders at the the Congress Working Committee meeting in Sevagram near Wardha.

Paying tributes to the ‘Father of the Nation,’ Mr Modi tweeted: The noble thoughts of Mahatma Gandhi have given strength to millions across the world. He was a stalwart who lived for others and to make our world a better place.

Mr Modi also wrote “In the 21st century, the thoughts of Gandhi remain as essential as they were in his time and offer solutions to several problems the world faces.”

Mr Modi attended several programmes related to sanitation and renewable energy to mark the beginning of the year-long celebrations of Mahatama Gandhi 150th birth anniversary.

Gandhiji is not an immobile statue, he is a living set of ideas and values. Truth and non-violence, which he lived for and was killed for are the foundation of our country. True patriots must protect them. — Rahul Gandhi, Congress prez