Sonia Gandhi Takes a Dig at PM Modi's Acronyms, Says 'Fast Can't Mean First Act, Second Think'

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, the former Congress president took a dig at Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his frequent coining of acronyms in the names of 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 a laughter from the audience.

"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 one's 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".

"Parliamentary majority is being interpreted as a licence to stifle debate. Our freedoms are under attack. Our people are increasingly impatient," Gandhi said.

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".

"The evidence of this new and deeply troubling direction is there for everyone to see. Fear and intimidation are the order of the day, alternative voices are being silenced. In far too many cases through violence and even murder."

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."

"India is a great country, a wonderful country, let us protect it, cherish it," Gandhi said, ending her speech to a loud applause.