Amidst the ongoing Lok Sabha campaign, the former leader of Congress, Rahul Gandhi, aims to underscore Congress’s unwavering dedication to safeguarding the Constitution and the entrenched provision of reservations, countering the BJP’s baseless accusations.
Strategists within the party discern that the BJP’s assertion, suggesting the necessity of securing 400 seats to alter the Constitution, harbors intentions to tamper with reservation provisions. This notion appears to resonate within rural communities, posing a setback to the saffron party’s electoral prospects.
Internal sources reveal that Prime Minister Modi’s abrupt pivot to the Adani-Ambani issue during his recent campaign endeavors seeks to divert public attention away from allegations levied against the ruling party concerning reservations.
In response, party organizers have orchestrated a national-level symposium on the Constitution in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, slated for May 10, where Rahul Gandhi will expound upon his stance. Preceding this event, joint rallies featuring Rahul Gandhi and Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav are scheduled for the Kannauj and Kanpur constituencies, respectively.
“Rahul Gandhi is poised to deliver an address at a national convention concerning the Constitution in Lucknow on May 10. The BJP’s notion of modifying the Constitution, potentially jeopardizing the reservation system, has sparked concern among rural denizens nationwide. Various BJP figures have asserted throughout the campaign that securing 400 seats is imperative for constitutional amendments. Our leader reiterates his steadfast commitment to preserving the Constitution at each rally, yet there is an imperative to amplify this message. The forthcoming speech in Lucknow will disseminate this message across the nation,” articulated AICC Secretary Tauqir Alam to ETV Bharat.
“The Prime Minister appears perturbed by the adverse repercussions of the ‘400-plus’ campaign within rural constituencies, hence the attempt to divert attention by addressing the Adani and Ambani issue, who incidentally maintain close ties with him. However, our focus must remain steadfast on safeguarding the Constitution,” he affirmed.
According to the AICC representative, the Prime Minister’s apprehension over the erosion of support resulting from his negative campaign tactics has compelled him to level unsubstantiated accusations against the Congress.
“Initially, he alleged that our manifesto bore resemblance to that of the Muslim League. Subsequently, he propagated falsehoods about our intent to extend religious-based reservations to Muslims, which is wholly inaccurate. Our manifesto makes no such provisions. Additionally, disadvantaged Muslim communities benefit from reservations under the OBC quota,” Alam clarified.
“The Prime Minister’s actions stem from the setback suffered by the saffron party in the initial phases of polling, particularly in the Hindi heartland states of UP and Bihar. Not only the Congress but also the INDIA bloc’s allies have emphasized the imperative of upholding the Constitution. The INDIA bloc’s campaign is gaining traction in UP and Bihar. In the ensuing days, we will disseminate this message to rural communities, ensuring awareness of the Congress’s manifesto,” he added.
Referencing a past parliamentary address by Rahul Gandhi, the AICC official highlighted that the leader’s scrutiny of the Prime Minister’s ties to Adani had previously resulted in the forfeiture of his Lok Sabha membership, which was subsequently reinstated following protracted legal proceedings.