Introduction
After a high stakes and fast paced campaign run, the Congress ousted the BRS from the state of Telangana. In this article we’ll take a closer look at Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra intense, making scathing allegations against Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), and the previous ruling alliance of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS), referred to as BRS.
The Gandhis, addressing an election rally at Nampally, outlined their vision for the country, emphasizing the need to eradicate hatred and defeat Modi at the Centre.
Rahul Gandhi's Anti-Hatred Campaign
During the rally, Rahul Gandhi vowed to put an end to the prevailing atmosphere of hatred in the country. He accused the RSS, Modi, and what he termed as "hardliners" of spreading hatred throughout the nation. Gandhi framed the upcoming elections as an ideological battle, emphasizing his commitment to fighting against divisive forces.
Congress' Slogan and Legal Challenges
Highlighting the ideological differences, the Congress leader unveiled a slogan - "opening a 'mohabbat ki dukaan' (shop of love) in the 'nafrat ke bazaar' (market of hate)." He revealed that he faced legal challenges, with 24 cases filed against him in various states.
Rahul Gandhi recounted his two-year punishment for defamation, the cancellation of his Lok Sabha membership, and the loss of his government house. Despite these setbacks, he asserted that his true home lies in the hearts of the country's poor.
Accusations Against AIMIM and Collaboration Allegations
In a fiery address during an election rally in Nampally, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi launched a scathing attack on AIMIM president Asaduddin Owaisi, questioning the absence of legal cases against him. Drawing attention to the constant scrutiny by agencies like the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI on himself, Gandhi posed the question of whether any agency was similarly pursuing Owaisi.
Accusing Owaisi of aligning with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Gandhi asserted that the AIMIM president's purported lack of legal troubles was due to his alleged support for Modi. He further claimed that AIMIM strategically fielded candidates in various states to undermine Congress and bolster BJP's prospects.
Highlighting his commitment to eradicating hatred in the country, Gandhi underscored the necessity of defeating Modi in Delhi. However, he asserted that this goal would first require defeating Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao (KCR), who led the alliance referred to as BRS, consisting of BJP, Rao's Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS), and AIMIM.
Gandhi went on to allege a collaboration between BRS, BJP, and AIMIM, pointing out the BRS's parliamentary support for the Modi government. In a direct attack on KCR, Gandhi had accused him of running the "most corrupt government" and questioned the absence of investigations by agencies like ED, CBI, and IT against KCR and AIMIM.
Gandhi had also pledged to reclaim money allegedly "taken away by KCR" from the poor and deposit it into their bank accounts through promised welfare measures if they won the elections. After a bitter battle, the Congress party has achieved victory in the South Indian state with Revanth Reddy being announced as the new Chief Minister. Only time will tell if Congress will live up to the expectations of the people and fulfill its campaign promises.
Priyanka Gandhi's Appeal and Congress' Promises
Priyanka Gandhi had also joined her brother by further criticizing the BRS government as lazy and corrupt, contrasting it with the Congress, which she described as good and honest. Priyanka questioned the type of government the people desired, referring to it as either 'dorala' (feudal lords) or 'prajala' (people's).
Congress Manifesto and Election Promises
Rahul Gandhi had outlined the Congress manifesto's promises, including the establishment of a welfare board and a Rs 12,000 financial assistance program for auto-rickshaw drivers. He had publicly pledged a single permit policy, a 50% discount on pending traffic challans, insurance, and a welfare board for gig workers. The Congress leader also engaged in a PR stunt by taking a ride in an auto-rickshaw.
Conclusion
As the Congress party concludes its poll campaign in Telangana with a victory, the political landscape remains charged with allegations, accusations, and promises. The Gandhis have positioned themselves as the champions against hatred, accusing the BRS, BJP, and AIMIM of collusion and corruption. But, if history has taught us one thing, it is that Congress and corruption go hand in hand even today as is apparent from the recent IT raids on Congress MP Dhiraj Sahu in Odisha. Only time will tell if Congress changes the way it operates and fulfills the promises it has made to the people of Telangana.
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