United opposition will defeat BJP in 2019: Rahul Gandhi

Addressing a gathering on the day the Congress has called Bharat Bandh (nationwide protest) to protest fuel price hike, Rahul said: "The whole opposition stood against the BJP. Our principles are similar. We will together defeat the BJP in 2019 General Elections."

"But the sadness is BJP people do not care about the grieves of the countrymen. But we all (opposition leaders) bear the grieves of people," he added.

The bandh has been supported by several opposition political parties including the Left.

Setting the tone for the upcoming General Elections, which the BJP on Sunday claimed to sweep with higher majority than 2014 Lok Sabha polls, Rahul took on Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led central government on multiple issues, not just fuel price hike.

Utilising the opportunity to corner the BJP government, the Congress attacked the saffron party over several policies they have undertaken in last four years.

He said: "Narendra Modi had earlier said he would do everything what didn't happen in 70 years. Indeed it happened. Now each individual is fighting with the other. He is creating conflicts among people on the basis of religion, caste."

Image: twitter.com/INCIndia

Rahul accused Modi of remaining silent when the fuel prices have reached an all-time high and value of Indian currency diving new lows each day.

"This is the weakest value of rupee in 70 years. The fuel prices are increasing each day. The prices of gas (LPG cylinders) are now Rs. 800. But Modi remains silent," the Congress chief said.

He attacked the Modi government for its policies like demonetisation as well as Swachh Bharat Abhiyaan.

Taking a cue from the recent Reserve Bank of India (RBI)'s report which stated 99.3% of banned Rs. 500 and Rs. 1000 returned to banks after demonetisation, Rahul said: "Nothing happened due to demonetisation. All black money became white."

Digging at Modi's Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, the Congress president said toilet, which have been built by the government, have no water.

Bringing back the Rafale issue once again, Rahul alleged that Modi tried to benefit one investor through the deal. "When we raise Rafale issue, he can't answer. Through Rafale deal, Modi robbed people's money."

The Rafale deal has taken the centre stage of Indian politics of late with the Congress demanding the release of the price at which 36 fighter jets were bought by the Indian government from France.

However, Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman denied to reveal the price owing to secrecy of the deal.

Terming GST as Gabbar Singh Tax once again, Rahul accused the BJP government of smashing the small scale business with a tax system of multiple slabs.