Bhubaneswar, (Orissa Today), May 15: Rahul Gandhi, a prominent campaigner for the Congress party, issued a cautionary note to the people of Odisha on Wednesday, alleging attempts by the BJP to amend the Indian Constitution. Speaking at an election rally in Balangir, Gandhi brandished a copy of the Constitution, declaring, “No force in the world can touch this book. If you try to tear and throw away this book, watch what the country and Congress party do to you.”
Gandhi also implored voters to safeguard the Constitution and reservations for minorities, which he claimed the BJP aims to abolish. He criticized the BJP for favoring a select few while neglecting the majority. Highlighting the BJP’s waiver of loans totaling around Rs 16 lakh crore for 22 billionaires, Gandhi underscored the party’s alleged inaction on behalf of 90% of the population, particularly farmers and students.
Accusing the media of overlooking the struggles of farmers and unemployed youth, Gandhi lamented the lack of representation from OBC, Adivasi, and Dalit communities in senior media positions. He accused the media of serving the interests of Narendra Modi and Gautam Adani, suggesting that even his rally might not receive coverage.
Gandhi claimed that during Narendra Modi’s tenure, 22 to 25 individuals became billionaires, whereas the Congress, if elected, aims to create millions of millionaires. He announced plans to compile a list of the poor on June 4, with each family nominating a woman to receive Rs 1 lakh credited to her bank account, labeling it as “development.”
Furthermore, Gandhi pledged Rs 8,500 monthly transfers to women beneficiaries and Rs 1 lakh for unemployed graduates annually. The Congress, he said, intends to raise the wage under MGNREGS to Rs 400 from Rs 250, double the remuneration of Anganwadi and ASHA workers, and waive loans for farmers.
