Former Congress president Rahul Gandhi expressed confidence at an election rally in Madhya Pradesh that his party would secure 145 to 150 seats in the upcoming Assembly elections in the state. He based his optimism on his extensive travel across the state.
He also alleged that five years ago, the Congress government in Madhya Pradesh was unfairly taken away through bribery orchestrated by Narendra Modi, Amit Shah, and Shivraj Singh Chouhan. He accused the BJP of stealing the government to exploit the state’s resources for their benefit.
Referring to a viral video involving Union Minister Narendra Tomar’s son discussing large sums of money, Gandhi criticised Prime Minister Modi for not taking action against corruption within his own party. He urged people to question Modi about not initiating investigations against him by agencies like the ED, CBI, and I-T against Tomar’s son.
He also highlighted the alleged misappropriation of Rs 1,700 crore earmarked for the development of Vidisha city by corrupt BJP leaders. He reiterated the Congress’ commitment to farmers, promising debt waivers and support prices of Rs 2,600 and Rs 2,500 per quintal for wheat and paddy, respectively.
Drawing a comparison with Chhattisgarh, Gandhi claimed that the Congress government had transformed farming into a lucrative profession, allowing farmers to lead comfortable lives without selling their land. He pledged similar welfare initiatives for Madhya Pradesh.
The Congress leader outlined guarantees, such as a monthly payment of Rs 1,500 for women and Rs 2.5 lakhs for a girl child from birth to marriage. He emphasised the party’s belief in injecting money into the hands of farmers and labourers, stimulating the local economy.
Gandhi asserted the importance of strengthening India by supporting farmers and labourers, labelling them as the backbone of the nation. He cited examples from Chhattisgarh, where the Congress government established food processing plants based on locally produced crops.
Additionally, he promised to set up international airports in Madhya Pradesh for exporting agricultural products directly to foreign countries once the Congress government is formed at the Centre. Congress leaders like Randeep Singh Surjewala and Suresh Pachauri were present at the rally.