In the locale of Bodeli, nestled within Gujarat, Union Home Minister Amit Shah seized the opportunity to taunt Rahul Gandhi for his electoral foray into the Wayanad and Rae Bareli Lok Sabha constituencies. Shah confidently asserted that the Congress luminary would suffer a resounding defeat in Rae Bareli. Addressing a congregation in Bodeli, situated in the tribal-dominated expanse of Chhotaudepur district, Shah leveled accusations against the opposition INDIA coalition, alleging misappropriation of quotas earmarked for Dalits, tribals, and backward classes, redirecting them to Muslim communities in certain regions.
“The Congress, under the leadership of Rahul Gandhi, embarks on electoral battles. Witness when defeat befell him in Amethi, he sought refuge in Wayanad. Now, sensing impending defeat in Wayanad, he seeks solace in Rae Bareli instead of Amethi,” Shah remarked. In the parliamentary elections of 2019, Gandhi contested from both Amethi and Wayanad constituencies. While he emerged victorious in Wayanad, Amethi slipped from his grasp to Union Minister Smriti Irani.
“Rahul Baba, heed my counsel. Your plight transcends mere electoral constituencies. Your downfall in Rae Bareli looms large, even should you attempt to evade it, the populace shall unearth you,” admonished the seasoned BJP statesman. Shah accused “Rahul Baba and his cohorts” of propagating falsehoods suggesting Prime Minister Narendra Modi harbors intentions to annul reservation policies in the event of securing another term.
“Rahul Baba, Modi commanded a substantial majority in both 2014 and 2019. Yet, he refrained from tampering with reservations designated for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Other Backward Classes. It is Modi’s solemn pledge that under BJP stewardship, reservations remain inviolable,” declared Shah. The Union Minister contended that it was the INDIA coalition that pillaged quotas meant for Dalits, tribals, and backward classes, diverting them to Muslim communities in certain jurisdictions. The electoral exercise for 25 Lok Sabha seats in Gujarat is scheduled for May 7, forming the third phase of the general elections.