Bhopal, Nov 14 – Rahul Gandhi, a prominent Congress leader, accused the BJP on Tuesday of orchestrating the downfall of his party’s government in Madhya Pradesh in 2020 through the alleged purchase of MLAs. Despite this, he expressed confidence that the Congress would secure approximately 150 seats in the upcoming state assembly elections scheduled for November 17. Speaking at an election rally in Vidisha, located approximately 55 km from the state capital, Gandhi asserted that a political shift in favor of the Congress was imminent.
“A storm is going to come in favor of the Congress. The party will win 145 to 150 seats. Five years ago, you (the people) elected a Congress government, but BJP leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chief Minister Shivraj Singh, and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, purchased the MLAs and stole your government,” Gandhi claimed.
He went on to criticize the BJP for toppling the Kamal Nath-led Congress government, which had, during its 15-month tenure until March 2020, waived farm loans for 27 lakh farmers. Gandhi alleged that the BJP’s actions deceived laborers, farmers, small traders, and unemployed individuals.
Highlighting Congress’ approach to governance, Gandhi mentioned the party’s victories in Karnataka and Himachal Pradesh, attributing them to a strategy based on love rather than hatred. He criticized the BJP’s governance in Karnataka, referring to it as a “40 percent cut government,” and emphasized the need for returning money taken from the poor to benefit the rich.
Gandhi further outlined the Congress’ achievements in Karnataka and Chhattisgarh, citing LPG cylinders priced at Rs 500 for residents in Congress-ruled states compared to Rs 1,200-1,400 in other states. He pointed out that the Congress fulfilled its promises in Karnataka, including farm loan waivers and free bus travel for women.
In Chhattisgarh, according to Gandhi, farmers receive the guaranteed minimum support price (MSP) for their crops, while laborers are paid Rs 10,000 as wages, contributing to the strengthening of the local economy.
