Senior Congress leader and INDIA Alliance Star campaigner Rahul Gandhi on Sunday appealed to 50 lakh voters of Himachal Pradesh to oust the ‘Adani-Modi government’, blaming the corporate giant for capturing massive public resources in the last ten years of BJP rule.
At a rally held at Cougan Ground in Nahan, Rahul Gandhi criticised Indian corporate giant Adani, who, he said, is closely associated with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Gandhi accused the Modi government of favoring Adani and Ambani, alleging that public assets, the apple trade, and major infrastructure projects like Airports and land have been handed over to these corporate houses.
Gandhi alleged that public resources were being diverted to benefit a few wealthy individuals. He claimed that the Modi administration has transferred around Rs 2200000 crore from Indian Banks to Adani by providing loan waivers.
Furthermore, he alleged that MNREGA funds have been redirected to support 22 large corporate houses, while ordinary citizens suffer. He pointed out the government’s involvement in creating 22 billionaires, contrasting it with his party’s promise to create millions of millionaires by directly aiding the poor.
Gandhi also focused on the plight of farmers, particularly those in Himachal Pradesh. He promised to enact a law to ensure Minimum Support Price (MSP) for farmers and pledged to waive their loans. He criticized the Modi government’s policies, which he alleged have adversely affected apple growers in Himachal.
According to Gandhi, the unfair pricing and market control by Adani and Ambani have led to significant losses for apple farmers. He argued that these issues stem from the Modi government’s favoritism towards these corporate giants.
Gandhi continued his attack on Modi by highlighting the extensive influence Adani has acquired on the current administration. He mentioned that Adani has taken control of major Airports, including those in Mumbai and Lucknow, and that the Indian Ordnance Factory’s weapon manufacturing has also been handed over to Adani.
This concentration of resources and power in the hands of a few has been detrimental to the broader population, Gandhi asserted.
Rahul Gandhi introduced the Mahila Naya Scheme Lakhpati Deedi, an initiative set to launch on July 8, 2024. Under this scheme, every poor woman, particularly housewives will receive Rs 8,500 per month.
Gandhi emphasized that this financial support would uplift millions of women across the country, promising that a list of the poorest families would be compiled, with one woman from each family receiving the benefit.
The rally also saw Gandhi touching on personal connections, particularly the bond between his sister, Priyanka Gandhi, and the people of Himachal Pradesh. He reminded the audience that Priyanka now resides in Shimla and assured them that both he and Priyanka would continue to fight for their rights in Delhi.
Rahul Gandhi aimed to garner support for party candidates in upcoming elections, emphasizing his commitment to addressing the economic and social issues faced by the people of Himachal Pradesh and the broader Indian population.
The rally drew large crowds from 17 Assembly constituencies.
