Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, while addressing an election campaign rally in Gondiya, Vidarbha, on Tuesday, raised concerns over the inadequate prices being paid to farmers for their crops, particularly soybean and cotton. He promised that farmers in Maharashtra would receive fair and proper prices for their produce if the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government comes to power.
Promises for Farmers
Gandhi criticized the BJP-led Maharashtra government for failing to ensure fair prices for rice, soybean, and cotton farmers. He vowed that, under the MVA government, soybean and cotton growers would be compensated fairly for their crops. Additionally, Gandhi assured that the poor would receive health insurance, further addressing the concerns of the rural population.
Attacks on BJP and Modi
In his speech, Gandhi took aim at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, accusing him of prioritizing industrialists over farmers. “Prime Minister Modi waived off Rs 16 lakh crore in loans for a handful of industrialists, but has not waived the loans of a single farmer in 11 years,” Gandhi said. He further criticized Modi’s ties to business magnates like Adani and Ambani, claiming that the Prime Minister attended Ambani’s wedding but he himself stayed away, asserting that he “belongs to the people.”
Defense of the Constitution
Gandhi also attacked Modi, the BJP, and the RSS for what he described as their continuous attempts to undermine the Constitution of India. “Prime Minister Modi criticizes the Constitution, a document that embodies the values Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar championed,” Gandhi remarked. He emphasized that the Constitution does not condone violence or oppression and accused Modi of failing to respect its principles.
OBC Community and Reservation
Gandhi also pointed to Modi’s claim of belonging to the OBC (Other Backward Class) community, arguing that the Prime Minister’s actions do not reflect the needs of the OBCs. He pointed out that despite OBCs constituting 50% of the population, only 5% of funds are allocated to them under Modi’s government. Gandhi reiterated Congress’ commitment to conducting a caste-based census and removing the 50% cap on reservations to ensure fair representation for all communities.
Congress’ Track Record
Concluding his speech, Gandhi reiterated that Congress has fulfilled its promises to the public and assured that the MVA government would honor all its commitments outlined in the manifesto.
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