By Arun Pratap Singh
Dehradun, 28 Jan: Congress National President Mallikarjun Kharge was given a warm welcome on his arrival here, today, first at the Jolly Grant Airport and then at the Bannu School Ground by senior party leaders from Uttarakhand. He addressed a public rally at the Bannu School Grounds here this afternoon.
Addressing the gathering, Kharge asserted that some forces and political opponents were trying to finish off the Congress but this was not going to happen. He asserted BJP and the Modi Government are very scared of the Congress. He stated that, these days, Pt Nehru, Indira Gandhi, and Rajeev Gandhi are haunting Modi’s dreams. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi is not letting the BJP leadership even sleep peacefully. That is the reason why the BJP has been trying to obstruct the ongoing Nyaya Yatra led by Rahul Gandhi. It failed to do so in Manipur and Nagaland but attempted with all its might to stop it in Assam where the BJP is currently in power. He also claimed that the BJP is so scared of the Congress that permission was not even being granted for landing his chopper in Dehradun. It was finally granted at the last moment when this became a major issue.
Kharge sarcastically claimed that, nowadays, even to fly, one has to take permission from Modi and, afterwards, his permission has to also be taken to board or disembark from the flight, or for landing of helicopters. Apologising to the people for arriving late at the rally venue, he claimed that the delay was due to delay in approval to land his chopper. The Congress President called upon the people to remove such governments at the Centre and in the state. He added that the people of Uttarakhand are courageous and they have to take the lead to save the entire country from such political parties.
Claiming that it is the people of Uttarakhand and the Himalayas who play a crucial role in protecting the entire country, he alleged it is Modi who wishes to claim the entire credit for this.
Probably referring to the recent consecration of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, he claimed that one does not get to see the faces of one’s spiritual or religious gurus on TV every morning but one is forced to see Modi’s face. Kharge alleged that PM Modi is out to prove that he is the 11th incarnation of Lord Vishnu. He added that every person believes in religion but Modi wants to create an impression that the Opposition leaders don’t. The Modi Government is unable to distinguish between good and bad. He said that the people of Uttarakhand have a clear vision and thinking.
Kharge asserted that the BJP might continue to attempt to obstruct the Nyaya Yatra led by Rahul Gandhi, and other political activities of Congress, but the Congress leaders will not run away in fear. No one can touch or shake the Congress as far as it has the people’s support.
He also stressed that the Modi led BJP Government has failed in governance. Inflation is high and unemployment is at its peak. The LPG cylinder, which cost Rs 450 during Congress rule, has now crossed Rs 1,000. He also accused the Modi government of playing with the future of the youth by bringing in schemes like Agniveers. He asked what would the Agniveers do after having to quit the armed forces after four years of service.
Kharge recalled that Indira Gandhi sacrificed her life to keep the country united. Rajeev Gandhi also sacrificed his life. He asked the BJP how many of its leaders went to jail for freedom, how many sacrificed their lives for the country. How many left their homes? Congress people were hanged. The BJP leaders are amassing wealth.
Kharge claimed that BJP is selling and consuming whatever was created by Congress governments. It was the Congress which established NIIT Uttarakhand, ONGC, BHEL, AIIMS and IIM in Uttarakhand and, as a result, thousands got government jobs. He asked what had been created by the BJP Governments here. Congress also brought MNREGA and the Right to Information Act. What Nehru did for the state or the country is very evident, but Modi makes tall claims without any basis, he asserted. Modi has compromised the country’s interests and also looked the other way as China continues to occupy Indian territory.
He claimed that Congress leaders are willing to sacrifice their lives for the sake of the country and it is because of Congress that India remains a democratic country. Now the government is trying to impose fascism and even end the voting power of the people, Kharge alleged. In case the BJP Government is voted back to power, the country would be doomed. He alleged that Modi makes hollow promises. He promised to bring back black money to India but did nothing; promised Rs 15 lakhs to each Indian and even to double the farmers’ income. Instead, nothing has happened. On the other hand, had the Congress not sincerely implemented democracy, Modi could not have become the Prime Minister and would have to continue selling ‘Chai’. If the people of Uttarakhand vote for a party like the BJP, they would be betraying the farmers, women and the youth of the country. He said that with Char Dham temples and holy Ganga here, there is no need for the Uttarakhand people to follow Modi.
Referring to the Ankita Bhandari murder case, Kharge claimed that the murderers were not caught because they are roaming with BJP leaders. He said no one knows how many such murders might have happened in the state. It is time for the people to throw out such a government, otherwise such crimes will continue.
Top leaders of the Congress like PCC Chief Karan Mahara, former PCC chief Ganesh Godiyal and the Leader of the Opposition Yashpal Arya also addressed the gathering.
