Amidst the electoral fervor, Rahul Gandhi, a prominent figure within the Congress party, made a bold assertion on Monday, contending that the BJP-led NDA coalition would fall short of securing even 150 seats in the ongoing Lok Sabha elections. He emphasized that these electoral proceedings were not merely about political power but rather about safeguarding the sanctity of the Constitution, which, according to him, faces threats of alteration from the saffron party and RSS.
Delivering his address at an election rally in Jobat town, located in the Alirajpur district within the Ratlam-Jhabua Lok Sabha constituency of Madhya Pradesh, Gandhi reiterated the Congress’s commitment to removing the existing 50 percent cap on reservation, purportedly in the best interest of the populace.
Furthermore, the former Congress president reiterated his support for conducting a caste-based census, arguing that it would serve as a revealing testament to the socio-political landscape of the nation, potentially altering its course. In a scathing critique of the BJP leadership, Gandhi claimed that they have openly expressed intentions to tamper with the foundational document of the nation. Dismissing their ambitious electoral slogan of ‘abki baar, 400 paar’ (this time, crossing 400 seats) as mere rhetoric, he asserted that they would struggle to even reach the 150-seat mark.
According to Gandhi, the pivotal essence of the ongoing Lok Sabha elections lies in the preservation of the Constitution, a responsibility he believes rests squarely on the shoulders of the Congress and its allies. He attributed the welfare of tribal communities, Dalits, and Other Backward Classes (OBCs) to the protective mantle of the Constitution, emphasizing their inherent rights over natural resources.
Alleging a concerted effort by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to erode the fundamental rights of the populace, Gandhi vowed to thwart any such endeavor. He refuted claims made by BJP leaders regarding the potential revocation of reservation benefits for marginalized communities, asserting the Congress’s commitment to not only preserving but also enhancing these protections.
Expressing solidarity with tribal communities, Gandhi reaffirmed the Congress’s dedication to their cause, promising tailored initiatives aimed at addressing their specific needs. He decried alleged attempts by opposition parties to roll back the progress made in securing the rights of marginalized communities.
In a bid to alleviate the plight of farmers, Gandhi outlined a comprehensive plan that included debt waivers, guaranteed minimum support prices, and improved working conditions under government schemes such as the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA).
In summary, Rahul Gandhi’s address underscored the stark ideological divide between the Congress-led opposition alliance and the ruling BJP, painting a picture of contrasting visions for the nation’s future.