Pune: Rahul Gandhi Slams PM Modi’s Personal Attacks, Vows to Prioritize Citizens’ Welfare

Pune, 3rd May 2024: In an election rally held in Pune, Congress leader MP Rahul Gandhi asserted, “The Prime Minister is expected to address the country’s civic issues, citizens’ schemes, and development projects. However, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is squandering the dignity of his office by hurling insults at senior leaders like Sharad Pawar instead of focusing on these crucial matters. While Prime Minister Narendra Modi has forgiven the loans of 22 individuals, we pledge to allocate the same amount to benefit the nation’s citizens once our government assumes power.”

Rahul Gandhi conveyed this message during a gathering organized to support the campaign of Congress leader Ravindra Dhangekar, who is the Mahavikas Aghadi and INDI alliance candidate for the Pune Lok Sabha Constituency. The rally took place at the grounds of SSPMS College near RTO. Among the attendees were Dhangekar, Congress Maharashtra in-charge Ramesh Chennithala, State President Nana Patole, former Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan, Balasaheb Thorat, Vijay Wadettiwar, Former Minister Vishwajit Kadam, Rajni Patil, Chandrakant Handore and Naseem Khan, MLA Sangram Thopte, and other leaders of Mahavikas Aghadi and INDI alliance, including Sanjay Jagtap.

Rahul Gandhi emphasized, “The INDI alliance is steadfastly committed to safeguarding democracy and the constitution, while Modi, on the contrary, is bent on its destruction. The Modi government’s relentless efforts to alter the constitution pose a grave threat. It is the constitution that grants rights to Dalits and tribals, and should it be undermined, our very identity as a nation is at stake. Therefore, this Lok Sabha battle is not merely political; it is a fight to preserve the sanctity of our constitution. We cannot allow the vision of Dr BR Ambedkar and Mahatma Gandhiji to be undermined.”

He further criticized Modi’s inconsistent stance on reservation policies, stating, “Modi’s vacillations on reservation, whether it’s threatening to end it or assuring its preservation, are alarming. He fails to commit to removing the 50% reservation cap, a promise we boldly make in our manifesto. In a country where 73% of reservations benefit Dalits, tribals, and OBCs, it’s disheartening to witness their absence in influential sectors like entrepreneurship and media. Instead, the media prioritizes trivial matters like the weddings of affluent families while turning a blind eye to crucial issues such as the privatization of airports or corruption involving election bonds.”

Gandhi continued, “Despite claims of combating corruption, the BJP’s financial transactions remain shrouded in secrecy. It’s troubling to note that those implicated in corruption cases have allegedly funded the BJP through electoral bonds. Moreover, the revelation that the same company producing the COVID vaccine contributed to the BJP raises serious questions about the integrity of our political processes.”

In summary, Rahul Gandhi’s address underscored the vital importance of upholding the Constitution, addressing social inequalities, and ensuring transparency and accountability in governance.

Gandhi highlighted, “Modi has waived a staggering Rs 1.6 lakh crore for just 22 individuals, in which 24 loan waivers for the country’s farmers can be implemented. It’s a stark reality that out of 650 high court judges, not a single one hails from the Dalit or tribal communities. In a nation where 90% of governance is determined by a handful of individuals, the representation of marginalized communities remains abysmally low. This scenario isn’t unique to the central government; it persists in states like Maharashtra and Uttar Pradesh as well.”

He condemned Modi’s endorsement of a candidate in Karnataka accused of heinous crimes, stating, “Modi seeks votes for individuals with dubious backgrounds, such as Revanna, who is alleged to have committed grave crimes against women. It’s alarming that Modi was aware of these allegations four months prior yet chose to remain silent. As the Prime Minister, Modi must uphold the dignity of his office and address the pressing issues faced by ordinary citizens. Instead, under his leadership, essentials like loans and gold have become increasingly unaffordable, masquerading as signs of development.”

Gandhi outlined his party’s plans for governance, stating, “Upon assuming power, we will prioritize conducting a comprehensive caste census to identify marginalized communities deserving of greater representation and benefits. We pledge to lift the 50 % reservation cap, enabling communities like Marathas, Dhangars, and others to access reservation benefits. Additionally, we will address the privatization of critical infrastructure like airports and railways, ensuring that public resources remain in public hands.”

He further promised, “Our government will rectify the injustices perpetuated by Modi’s policies, such as the Agniveer Yojana, by redirecting funds to benefit the poor and marginalized. We will provide financial assistance of one lakh rupees to women-headed households, double the salaries of Asha and Anganwadi workers, and establish a Kisan Loan Waiver Commission to alleviate the burden on farmers. Furthermore, we will support students with financial aid until they secure employment, and institute stringent penalties for those who tamper with examination papers, ensuring a fair and just education system for all.”