'Papa, come back...': Rahul highlights unemployment in Haryana during rally
Congress MP Rahul Gandhi, during a public rally in Haryana on Thursday, criticized the state government for failing to provide adequate employment opportunities. He highlighted the issue of youth migration and its impact on families through the story of a boy named Dev. "Dev's trembling cry—'Papa, come back!'—was heart-rending," he said. The Lok Sabha's Leader of Opposition added that while this plea may not affect Prime Minister Narendra Modi, it deeply moved him.
Gandhi criticizes Modi government
Gandhi criticized the Modi government for its failure to address people's needs, saying, "What is the benefit? Narendra Modi is being marketed and Dev is shouting, screaming to bring back his father." He also made several promises aimed at improving living conditions in Haryana. These include financial support for women through a monthly allowance of ₹2,000 and a gas cylinder worth ₹500. He also pledged to fill two lakh vacant government positions with local youth.
Gandhi promises MSP for farmers
In his address, Gandhi also promised to guarantee Minimum Support Prices (MSP) for farmers and provide immediate insurance money for losses. He outlined a housing plan for the poor that includes a 100-yard plot and ₹1.5 lakh, with additional provisions for larger families. The Congress leader warned of threats to the Constitution from the Bharatiya Janata Party, saying that it is trying to destroy protections for India's poorer and weaker sections.
Gandhi accuses BJP of destroying Haryana's employment systems
Gandhi accused the BJP government of systematically dismantling Haryana's employment systems and hurting small businesses with an inappropriate goods and services tax (GST) regime. He also criticized them for undermining the farming sector by not providing adequate MSP for crops. He also expressed confidence that Congress would "sweep" the assembly elections.
Gandhi raises issue of caste census
During his speech, Gandhi was accompanied by party MP Kumari Selja and former Haryana chief minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda. He raised the issue of a caste census in India, reiterating its importance for understanding resource distribution. Additionally, he accused the BJP of shielding former MP Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh from sexual harassment allegations. Haryana will go to polls on October 5 to elect a 90-member state legislative assembly, with results scheduled to be announced on October 8.