Keeping in line with the winning formula of Karnataka, Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra announced five guarantees as she formally launched the Congress poll campaign in Madhya Pradesh at an event in Jabalpur on Monday.
The guarantees include Rs 1,500 cash assistance to women per month, domestic gas cylinder for Rs 500, 100 units free electricity and 200 units at half rate, revival of the old pension scheme and completion of loan waiver to farmers.
Gandhi said that the guarantees will be fulfilled 100 per cent. “This is my promise. We made a promise in Karnataka and the five guarantees were approved during the first cabinet meeting,” she said.
The Congress leader attacked the BJP government without naming it for making false promises; advertising a golden picture of the state and country when people were suffering due to price rise, unemployment and harassment; and stoking emotions of people on divisive lines to gain votes and power. She called upon people to be alert and understand what such political parties were doing and then use their voting power to seek a government that had accountability and truly worked for their welfare.
She said that from the past 18 years (of BJP rule), the people of Madhya Pradesh were being wronged and used. “You are being exploited. The announcements, the promises made to you are not fulfilled. People’s mandate is crushed by the use of money and power. Last time you made our government. But the BJP used manipulation and money to fell the government and make its own. Now, if this (BJP) government had done something good for you, it would have been fine, but they did not do anything.”
She mentioned that during the past three years, only 21 government jobs were given. “I got the figures checked thrice by my office. But it is true, only 21 jobs,” she said. Gandhi listed out scams of the past 18 years like ration scam, scholarship scam, teachers’ recruitment scam, Vyapam scam, e-tendering scam and others. She said that the government did not even spare the God and mentioned how a priest had sent her a video from Mahakal Lok showing idols flying away in winds. She said that during past 220 months, the government was involved in 225 scams, which meant a scam per month. Gandhi said that the list of scams was longer than the list of abuses spoken about by (prime minister Narendra) Modi ji.
Saying that the state has a ‘ghoshanavir’ (one who makes lots of announcements) chief minister, Gandhi said 22,000 announcements were made but only about one per cent fulfilled. She added that a vision was necessary to run a state and country and the earlier political leaders had that vision.
“There are two types of politicians and parties – one that had conviction in the people and other that had conviction just in power,” she said, adding that the people should become alert and keep a watch for next few months as to how the Congress governments fulfilled their promises.
“I am not here to seek votes from you; I am seeking your awareness of the situation around you. My family sacrificed its blood to build this nation and I know how difficult it is to build a family and a country. I know what the struggle of building is and how easy it is to enjoy power. I want you to see what I see. I want you to see the truth and then cast your vote on the basis of that truth and on the basis of your conviction and faith in the nation. This is the commencement of the poll campaign. I am very happy that it is coming from the banks of Holy mother Narmada (river). I must tell you that we are committed to you, the people, and the country and we will work for you with all our heart and sincerity,” Gandhi said.
Speaking on the occasion MP Congress chief Kamal Nath said that Jabalpur made him remember his days of youth but immediately added that people should not think he has become old. Saying that the culture of Jabalpur and India was that of uniting, he said that no other country has so many religious, castes, Gods and Goddesses and festivals. “For us, religion is the matter of aachar and vichaar (aesthetic and ethical values), not that of prachar (political publicity), something that BJP is turning it into. I proudly say that I am Hindu but I am not stupid.”
He also said that Shivraj Singh Chouhan government has given only unemployment, price rise, Covid19 deaths, mafia raj, rapes and home supply of alcohol. “This is their achievement and I can’t compete with that. I can’t compete with Chouhan in dance and songs, but I can compete with him in truth. I challenge Chouhan on this aspect. I also urge you (people) to stand with truth, not keep the parties or candidates in view, but the future of Madhya Pradesh while voting.”
Narmada Aarti and ‘Bajrangbali’
Gandhi performed Ma Narmada Aarti (prayers to river Narmada) along with senior Congress leaders including Kamal Nath before addressing the public gathering. Rajya Sabha members Digvijaya Singh, Vivek Tankha, Rajmani Patel, leader of opposition Govind Singh, former state party chiefs Kantilal Bhuria, Arun Yadav and former leader of opposition Ajay Singh were prominent among those present.
‘Bajrangbali’ (Lord Hanuman) – turned into icon of victory by Congress after Karnataka win – also featured in the event as a party worker dressed as Lord Hanuman joined Gandhi, Nath and others during Narmada Aarti and the party workers presented a ‘gada’ (mace – the weapon of Lord Hanuman) to Kamal Nath. The campaign launch was marked by blowing of conches by a group of religious elders.