Sonia attacks Modi government, says freedom under 'sustained assault'
Mumbai: UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi on Friday launched a direct attack against the Modi government, alleging that freedom of the people was "under systematic and sustained assault" as provocative statements from the ruling establishment were neither random nor accidental but "part of a dangerous design".
Delivering the keynote address at the India Today Conclave 2018 here, the former Congress President said, all that was being done by attempts to rewrite history, falsifying facts and attacking nation builders. "Our society, our freedom all are now under systematic and sustained assault. Make no mistake about it. This is a well sort out project long in the making to refashion the very idea of India," Gandhi said.
"The freedom to think for oneself and differ and degree and to meet or marry according to ones wishes all this and more are under attack. Provocative statements from the ruling establishment are not random or accidental. They are part of a dangerous design," she said and added that vigilante mobs and private armies have been let loose with state patronage.
She said callous remarks were being made about changing the Constitution of the country that "point to a deliberate attempt to subvert the very essence of India".
She asserted that it was not in her nature to be a "voice of gloom and doom but we need to see things the way they are". She spoke about the violence against Dalits and minorities saying there was "shocking insensitivity to atrocities on Dalits".
"Society has been polarised with an eye for winning elections. Religious tensions are being fueled."
Gandhi also took a dig at Modi for his frequent coining of acronyms in the name schemes and government programmes.
"We need to move fast, but fast, F.A.S.T., cannot stand for First Act, Second Think. Acronymising can be contagious," she said to laughter from the audience.
"India is a great country, a wonderful country, let us protect it, cherish it," Gandhi said, ending her speech to a loud applause.
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India outplay Australia by 295 runs in Perth Test
Perth (PTI): India recorded a dominant 295-run win in the first Test after dismissing Australia for 238 in their second innings on day four here on Monday.
With the thumping win, India lead the five-match series 1-0.
It did not take long for India to complete formalities after reducing Australia to 227 for eight at tea. Chasing 534, the hosts were all out shortly after the break.
Travis Head (89) and Mitchell Marsh (47) showed fight in an otherwise underwhelming batting performance by the hosts. Alex Carey (36) was the last man to be dismissed.
Three wickets fell in the afternoon session after Mohammed Siraj reduced Australia to 104 for five at lunch.
India made a remarkable comeback after getting bowled out for 150 on the opening day as Australia were limited to 104 in response.
The second test begins in Adelaide from December 6.
Brief Scores:
India: 150 & 487/6 declared in 134.3 overs
Australia: 104 and 238 all out in 58.4 overs (Travis Head 89, Mitchell Marsh 47; Jasprit Bumrah 3/42, Mohammed Siraj 3/51).
