Priyanka Gandhi Slams BJP in Blistering Speech at Una Rally Amid Scorching Heat and made a fervent call: Congress is in the service of Dharam and not in the trade of Dharma as the BJP is doing...
UNA - May 28, 2024: In a rally in Una, where temperatures soared over 40 degrees, Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi took aim at the BJP leadership, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, for ignoring the real issues facing the people.
She made a fervent call: Congress is in the service of Dharam not like the BJP people who are in the trade of Dharam".
Priyanka Gandhi accused BJP leaders of neglecting their responsibilities and manipulating religious sentiments to secure votes.
She highlighted the plight of local bangle workers and questioned the rationale behind their loyalty to BJP MLAs, despite the lack of developmental work.
Gandhi recounted a conversation with a local woman who, despite acknowledging the absence of basic amenities like water and electricity, felt compelled to vote for the BJP due to religious oaths.
Gandhi emphasized the critical importance of electing accountable leaders who will address local issues such as infrastructure, education, and employment.
She criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP leaders for their detachment from the common people's struggles, contrasting their international engagements and pristine appearances with the harsh realities faced by disaster-stricken residents of Himachal.
Gandhi reminded the audience of the devastating impact of natural disasters in the region, lamenting the inadequate response from BJP leaders.
Gandhi condemned the BJP’s focus on religion in their political rhetoric, alleging that it diverts attention from pressing issues like inflation, unemployment, and farmers’ distress.
She accused the BJP of undermining democracy by attempting to topple elected governments through monetary inducements.
Highlighting Congress-led initiatives, she pointed to successful schemes in Karnataka and Telangana, such as Rs 8500 per month financial support for women and health insurance in Rajasthan.
Gandhi vowed to implement similar programs nationwide, promising enhanced support for farmers, guaranteed minimum support prices, and improved employment opportunities for the youth.
Gandhi called for a return to honest, issue-based politics, urging voters to hold leaders accountable and prioritize development over divisive rhetoric.
"If you do not recognize the truth and stand up for your rights, the future of the country will go into the ditch," she asserted, advocating for a unified effort to rebuild democracy and secure a better future for all citizens.
Joining her were Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu and Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri, who echoed her sentiments and rallied the crowd with promises of development.
Priyanka Gandhi's Scathing Critique
In a passionate address, Priyanka Gandhi criticized the BJP for failing to deliver on their promises and manipulating religious sentiments for votes.
"People are being made to take oaths in the name of religion to secure votes," she said, sharing the story of a local woman struggling without water and electricity but compelled to vote for the BJP MLA due to religious pledges.
"This vote is a big responsibility. The MLA you elect will decide on schools, roads, water, and electricity."
Gandhi emphasized the need for accountability. "If you don't demand work from them, they won't do it," she warned. "We've spoiled our leaders by not holding them accountable."
She didn't hold back on Prime Minister Modi, either. "Modi ji is seen on big platforms, but he didn't come here during disasters," she said, recalling the devastation from natural calamities in Himachal Pradesh.
"Where was he when we needed him the most?"
Gandhi tackled issues of inflation and unemployment head-on. "Families are struggling to make ends meet," she said.
"When there's a wedding or a festival, people worry about where the money will come from.", she said highlighting how prices are going through the roof in the country.
She also slammed the Agniveer scheme, claiming it leaves young people without proper jobs or benefits after four years in the army.
**Chief Minister Sukhu's Promises**
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu highlighted his government’s achievements, focusing on women and the elderly. "We've committed to providing ₹18,000 annually for women.
This has already benefited 2,37,000 women across the state," he announced. He accused the BJP of trying to undermine these efforts, saying, "BJP leaders have opposed our schemes, claiming they give us political advantages. But our goal is to serve the people."
Sukhu also mentioned the state’s increased revenue. "By shutting the doors on corruption, we've increased revenue by ₹2,200 crores," he said, which has funded new health insurance schemes and other social initiatives.
**Deputy CM Agnihotri's Rallying Cry**
Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri fired up the crowd, urging them to support Congress and denouncing the BJP's attempts to destabilize the government.
"Efforts are being made to prevent Prime Minister Modi from gaining a foothold here," he said. "But I am confident the people of this sacred land will ensure victories for Congress."
He praised the dedication of local Congress leaders and criticized BJP's Anurag Thakur for his lack of contributions to the district.
"What has Anurag Thakur done for this district in the last 15-16 years? No airport, no railway line, no playground. But come election time, he appears seeking votes," Agnihotri remarked.
Agnihotri reminded the crowd of the Congress's historical significance in the region and its recent accomplishments.
"After 75 years, Congress gave this constituency its first Chief Minister. We have implemented various schemes, and now we face the test in the people's court," he said.
In his concluding remarks, Agnihotri called for continued support to transform the Jal shakti and health sector and overall development.
"We ask for your support to continue this progress and change the history of the last 20 years of Hamirpur Lok Sabha constituency," he concluded.
