New Delhi: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Friday outlined his party’s vision for Odisha while addressing ‘Nyaya Rally’ in Rayagada in virtual mode.
He was scheduled to arrive in Rayagada around noon and address the ‘Nyaya Rally’ between 12.10 pm and 13.30 pm near GIACR College. He, however, could not make it to the state as he had to file the nomination papers in Raebareli.
“Democracy and the Constitution are being attacked. The Congress party and India Alliance are trying to protect democracy and the Constitution. Modiji, BJP and RSS want to get rid of the Constitution from its very roots and bring democracy to an end. The country’s farmers, deprived people, backward communities, Adivasis and Dalits have got everything only because of the Constitution. They are trying to destroy the very institution that has given everyone rights. They have filled all important government posts with appointees trying to privatise the Public Sector, passing on the benefit to a select few multi-millionaires,” he said in his video message.
“We have decided to pass on an equivalent amount to Odisha’s and the rest of the country’s deprived people, farming community, Dalits and Adivasis,” he added.
Rahul further said the BJP is insulting Adivasis, who are the original inhabitants of the country, by calling them ‘Vanvasis’ i.e. those who live in the jungles and have no rights “When we address you as Adivasis, we protect your rights and your land. Things have come to such a pass that 22 Indians have wealth which is equivalent to that of 70 crore people. Narendra Modi has waived off debts worth Rs 16 lakh crore from these 22 people, incurred over a period of 25 years. Narendra Modi has given his friends like Adani money that rightfully belongs to the country.”
He elaborated on the 5 guarantees of the Congress:
- Mahalaxmi: We will make a list of all the poor families in the country. Rs 1 lakh annually will be deposited in the bank account of one female member of the family @ of Rs 8,500 every month, till the time the family crosses the poverty line.
- Pehli naukri pakki: Graduates and diploma holders will be ensured their first job for one year in government and private set ups. In this one year, they will get Rs 1 lakh in their account @ of Rs 8,500 per month.
- Farmers’ loans will be waived off and they will get a guaranteed minimum support price for their produce.
- Minimum wage of Rs 400 for labourers.
- Double the current wages for ASHA and Anganwadi workers.
- 50 per cent reservation for women in government offices.
- Caste census will be implemented.
Rahul also apologised to the people of Odisha and promised to meet them soon.
Also Read: Rahul Gandhi To File Nomination For Raebareli Today; Odisha Visit Cancelled?
Several Congress heavyweights, including Odisha PCC chief Sarat Pattanayak, Ajoy Kumar, Bhakta Charan Das, Ram Chandra Khuntia Taraprasad Bahinipati and Koraput MP Saptagiri Ulaka, also addressed the rally.
Kick-starting Congress campaign for the upcoming Lok Sabha and Assembly elections at Salepur in Cuttack district on April 28, Rahul had earlier alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi runs a government for billionaires from Delhi, while Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik leads a dispensation that works for “select few” in Odisha. “Call it a partnership or marriage, both BJD and BJP are together,” he claimed at the election meting held at Kulia in Salepur.
Coming down heavily on Naveen, Rahul said that though he is the Chief Minister, the BJD government in the state is being run by his close aide V K Pandian.
