Congress leader Rahul Gandhi launched a scathing critique of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Maharashtra government during a rally in Vidarbha's Amravati. Gandhi accused Modi of echoing Congress leaders' statements in his recent speeches, claiming that his sister had noticed striking similarities. He jokingly speculated whether the Prime Minister was facing memory issues, given the apparent repetition.
Gandhi highlighted his long-standing allegations about the BJP’s attacks on the Constitution. He contrasted this with Modi’s accusations against the Congress, suggesting the Prime Minister was deflecting blame. Gandhi also addressed his demand for the removal of the 50% reservation cap, a key agenda of the INDIA bloc, and expressed frustration at Modi’s claims that he opposed reservation. Furthermore, Gandhi mentioned his push for a caste census and hinted that it too might be misrepresented by Modi in future speeches.
Turning his attention to Maharashtra, Gandhi alleged that the current state government was formed through unethical means and accused it of violating constitutional principles. He referred to its formation as an act of "political theft," underscoring his concerns about the erosion of democratic values.
The Congress leader also revisited his opposition to land acquisition policies, particularly in Bhatta-Parsaul, alleging that media campaigns were funded to tarnish his image because of his commitment to protecting landowners' rights. He criticized the Dharavi redevelopment project, worth several lakh crores, for prioritizing corporate interests. Gandhi argued that similar financial benefits should be extended to Maharashtra’s farmers, highlighting the disparity between corporate profits and rural welfare.
Expressing confidence in Congress’s ability to form the next government in Maharashtra, Gandhi assured soybean farmers of an increased minimum support price (MSP) of ₹7,000 per quintal under Congress leadership. His speech emphasized the party’s focus on addressing farmers' issues and safeguarding constitutional integrity.
The rally showcased Gandhi’s strategy of directly addressing pressing issues such as farmers' welfare, reservation policies, and constitutional violations. By taking aim at both the BJP and the Maharashtra government, he positioned the Congress as a defender of democratic values and rural interests ahead of the upcoming elections.