Ahead of Rahul Gandhi’s visit to the poll-bound state, Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini took jabs at the Congress, pointing to its diminishing influence and the absence of “big leaders” in Haryana during the Assembly elections. Saini compared the Congress’s current state in Haryana to its decline in Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh, where the party was once strong but has seen its power wane.
“In recent days, it has become evident that the Congress in Haryana is facing the same fate as in Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh. Even Congress leaders have started to acknowledge this. This is why, in the last 15-20 days, no prominent Congress leader has come to Haryana. Out of desperation, Congress is now releasing its manifesto twice, and its leaders are making irrational statements. The party is in confusion and doesn’t know how to proceed,” Saini told the media.
Saini also referenced a recent statement by Rahul Gandhi regarding reservations in the U.S., where Gandhi mentioned that Congress might consider scrapping reservations when India becomes a more “fair place.”
“Now, news has come that Rahul Gandhi, who made anti-reservation remarks abroad, is coming to Haryana for a 2-3 day political tour. Haryana has developed in all directions under the BJP government over the past 10 years. He should come and enjoy his visit,” Saini remarked.
Saini added, “The youth of Haryana will question him about his silence on the ‘Kharchi, Parchi’ (bribery and favoritism) during Hooda’s tenure. Dalits will ask how he can come after opposing reservations. Farmers will confront him about Congress’s land deals with influential families, and women will question his unfulfilled promises made in Himachal Pradesh. Rahul Gandhi owes answers to these issues.”
In contrast, earlier this month, Rahul Gandhi criticized the BJP government during a speech in Haryana, highlighting rising “unemployment” in the state. He blamed the policies of the Centre and state governments for diminishing job opportunities and promised that Congress, if returned to power, would focus on employment generation.
“Recently, during my visit to America, I met young men from Haryana in Texas. They told me that 15-20 thousand people from Haryana are migrating to the U.S. due to lack of opportunities. I even saw a video showing 15-20 people crammed into one room,” Gandhi said.
