As the political landscape in Madhya Pradesh heats up ahead of the state assembly elections, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has taken the opportunity during his Jan Aakrosh Yatra to criticize the BJP-led government’s agricultural policies, among other issues.
Farmers’ Concerns:
Addressing a public meeting during the Jan Aakrosh Yatra, Rahul Gandhi voiced the concerns of farmers, alleging that the BJP-led state government is not providing fair prices for their crops. He urged attendees to consult farmers in Chhattisgarh to understand the situation better and highlighted the importance of fulfilling promises made to the farming community.
Gandhi also pointed out that, for the first time in India’s history, farmers are now paying taxes due to the implementation of the Goods and Services Tax (GST). He emphasized that the Congress party is committed to working for the welfare of the poor and farmers.
Allegations of Farmer Suicides and Corruption:
The Congress leader did not shy away from making serious allegations against the BJP government in Madhya Pradesh. He claimed that approximately 18,000 farmers had taken their own lives during the 18-year rule of the BJP in the state. Furthermore, he dubbed Madhya Pradesh as the “epicenter of corruption” in the country.
Caste Census Proposal:
Rahul Gandhi also announced a proposal to conduct a caste census once the Congress forms the government at the Centre. He expressed concern that there is a lack of comprehensive data regarding the population of different castes and communities in India.
Jan Aakrosh Yatra:
The Congress party initiated the ‘Jan Aakrosh Yatra’ across seven different regions in Madhya Pradesh, covering a total distance of 11,400 kilometers and encompassing nearly all the assembly constituencies. This extensive campaign is aimed at connecting with the electorate ahead of the state assembly polls.
Political Context:
Madhya Pradesh is scheduled to hold its assembly elections in the near future, with 230 Assembly constituencies up for grabs. In the 2018 assembly polls, the Congress secured 114 seats, forming a government under Kamal Nath. However, the government faced a collapse in March 2020 after a rebellion by MLAs loyal to Jyotiraditya Scindia, leading to Shivraj Singh Chouhan’s return as Chief Minister.
Prime Minister’s Perspective:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi had visited the state recently and criticized the Congress for what he perceived as underdevelopment during its tenure in both the state and the center. He highlighted the BJP’s efforts to transform Madhya Pradesh and bring about positive change.
As the election season in Madhya Pradesh unfolds, political leaders from various parties are actively engaging with the public to present their agendas and garner support in this crucial battleground state.