In a fiery speech targeting Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy and other opposition figures in the state, Rahul Gandhi asserted his stance on Saturday. He asserted that BJP, in his view, symbolizes Babu (referring to TDP chief Chandrababu Naidu), Jagan, and Pawan (indicating Janasena founder Pawan Kalyan).
Speaking at a campaign rally in Kadapa, the Congress leader accused the trio of leaders of being under the remote control of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Drawing inspiration from the extensive political journey (padayatra) of former Chief Minister Y S Rajasekhara Reddy (YSR), Rahul Gandhi highlighted its influence on his nationwide Bharat Jodo Yatra.
“Presently, Andhra Pradesh is being governed by BJP’s ‘B’ team. The term ‘B’ team, in this context, refers to Babu, Jagan, and Pawan, with their strings being pulled by Narendra Modi,” remarked Gandhi, taunting the political dynamics. He further suggested that these leaders operate under Modi’s sway, given his influence over entities like the ED, CBI, and other enforcement agencies.
The scion of the Gandhi family reminisced about the close bond shared between Rajasekhara Reddy and his father, Rajiv Gandhi, highlighting their personal connection. Assuring the populace of Andhra Pradesh, Gandhi proclaimed that upon the INDIA bloc assuming power at the Centre post the 2024 general elections, the state would receive a 10-year special category status, along with the fulfillment of other pledges such as the completion of the Polavaram project and the establishment of the Kadapa steel plant.
Energizing support for party candidates ahead of the Assembly polls in the southern state, Gandhi pledged initiatives like selective farm loan waivers, comprehensive education from kindergarten to post-graduation, and a Rs 5 lakh housing loan scheme for impoverished individuals. Additionally, upon assuming power at the Centre, Gandhi vowed to introduce two unprecedented measures, one being the creation of a comprehensive list encompassing all impoverished citizens of India, with an annual stipend of Rs 1 lakh being allocated to a woman from each household. Furthermore, he pledged to elevate the daily wages under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) from Rs 250 to Rs 400.
In continuation, Gandhi guaranteed farmers a minimum support price (MSP), pledged the creation of 30 lakh government jobs, and vowed to double the income of Anganwadi and Asha workers, among other promises.
Urging the people of Kadapa and Andhra Pradesh to elect his ‘sister’, Andhra Pradesh Congress Committee president Y S Sharmila, to the Lok Sabha, Gandhi envisioned her as a voice embodying the principles of YSR. The Communist Party of India (CPI), Congress, and CPI(M) form the INDIA bloc alliance in Andhra Pradesh. Notably, the Assembly elections are slated to occur concurrently with the 25 Lok Sabha elections in Andhra Pradesh on May 13.