Delivering a scathing critique of the Congress party, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said that a Congress returning to power in Haryana could be disastrous for the state.
Modi addressing the crowd ahead of the October 5 assembly elections in Gohana of Sonipat accused the Congress of “handing Haryana over to middlemen and sons-in-law” during its rule and slammed its track record on issues related to Dalits and reservation.
Modi accused the Congress of fostering corruption during its tenure. “Congress had handed over Haryana to middlemen (dalals) and sons-in-law (damads). During their rule, no job was given without bribes or recommendations,” he said, a thinly veiled attack on the Congress leadership, widely seen as targeting Sonia Gandhi’s son-in-law Robert Vadra, who has been embroiled in land controversy in the state.
He went on to accuse the party of failing to prioritise the needs of the people, claiming that Congress-run states were plagued by internal power struggles. “In Karnataka, its chief minister and deputy chief minister are busy with infighting. It’s the same story in Himachal Pradesh and Telangana. Wherever Congress governs, it brings instability.”
In a pointed attack on the Congress, Modi stated, “If the Congress comes to power even by mistake, it will ruin Haryana with its infighting and instability.”
In a jab at the Congress, Modi warned that their return would spell doom for the state, saying, “The people of Haryana have the right over me. I will not allow this state to be ruined by Congress infighting.”
Modi also took aim at Congress’ stance on reservations, alleging that the party has a long history of opposing policies aimed at uplifting Dalits, Other Backward Classes (OBCs), and marginalized communities. “Opposing reservation is in Congress’ DNA. The royal family of the Congress has always opposed reservation. Now, the fourth generation of the family wants to remove reservation,” he said, referencing Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. Modi warned voters in Haryana to be cautious of the Congress’ “anti-reservation tactics.”
Modi’s critique extended to Congress’ internal disputes, which he claimed would disrupt governance and halt development in Haryana. “Voting for Congress means putting Haryana’s stability and progress at stake. Their infighting will stop all work in the state, affecting jobs and investments,” Modi warned, emphasizing that Congress factions have only exacerbated problems in states like Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh.
He pointed to the BJP’s track record of empowering OBCs, citing the appointment of Nayab Saini, an OBC leader, as the chief ministerial face in Haryana. “In Haryana, the BJP gave true participation to Dalits, OBCs, and tribals. Under our government, Haryana has become a leader in both industry and agriculture,” Modi asserted.
Referring to his recent visit to the United States, Modi highlighted how global leaders are now looking to India, particularly states like Haryana, for investments. “Today, the world’s biggest companies want to set up factories in India. This industrial growth will benefit the poor, farmers, and Dalits the most,” he said.
“Agriculture economists have said that along with farming, there should be other avenues for earning in villages. Expanding industries will improve the lives of farmers and provide employment for their children,” he said, positioning the BJP’s industrial policies as the solution to Haryana’s agricultural challenges.
During the rally Modi also took time to acknowledge a young boy in the crowd who had sketched his portrait. “Pass the drawing to my security team, and I will send you a personal letter in return,” the Prime Minister told the boy.
As Haryana heads to the polls on October 5, with results to be declared on October 8, Modi expressed confidence in the BJP’s return to power.