Nazira, Sivasagar (Assam) [India], April 1 : Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Wednesday delivered a strong critique of the state and central government during a rally in Nazira, urging people of Assam to reject what she called a "government of double-slavery" and vote for a Congress-led administration focused on public welfare.
"They only work for you when they see some benefit in it for themselves. This has not been the tradition of this country. Even today, we want a government in Assam which doesn't scare you, doesn't threaten you, doesn't serve its own selfish interests, but serves you, works honestly for you, advances and strengthens your culture and your civilisation," Priyanka Vadra said while addressing a public meeting here.
Taking aim at Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, Gandhi criticised the BJP's "double-engine government" pitch, calling it a failure. She further accused the BJP of attempting to suppress the people of Assam, urging voters to reject what she described as the politics of fear.
"They had spoken of a double-engine government. Didn't they say so in the last election? Modi ji used to come and say that now they will run a double-engine government. But they have run a government of double-slavery. Modi ji has become a slave to America and because of his policies today the entire country is in crisis. And Hemanta ji is Modi ji's slave. And on top of that, they want this government of double-slavery to make the people of this beautiful and self-respecting state of Assam slaves, keep them suppressed," she said.
Highlighting the promises of a Congress government, Gandhi pledged robust welfare initiatives, "If you want such an Assam, then choose the Congress government. Our first guarantee is that for women, if you want to start some small work or business, you will be given ₹50,000. Whatever scheme we bring for women, its cash will be transferred directly to the bank accounts of women."
She also promised extensive healthcare support and social assistance. "You will get health insurance up to ₹25 lakh. The government will provide free treatment up to ₹25 lakh for whatever disease you have. Our government has already shown this in Rajasthan," Gandhi said.
Gandhi also talked about providing justice to the Assamese singer Zubeen Garg's death, promising swift action.
"The Congress government wants Zubeen Garg ji to get justice. Within 100 days, as soon as our government is formed, we will get him justice. Today, all local 'Bhumiputras' have received temporary land deeds. We will give permanent deeds instead of temporary ones to 10 lakh local sons of the soil," she said.
Criticising corruption, Gandhi said it directly impacts citizens' lives. "It is not just that one leader is prospering. The biggest thing that happens due to corruption is that your money is snatched away. This money is meant to be used for youschools, hospitals, roads, tapsbut instead it is being used to build palaces and enrich families."
The Congress leader called on people to envision a "new Assam".
"Raise your heads, puff out your chests, and make up your mind that with the new government, a new Assam will come. Your Assam, that Assam which was Zubeen Garg ji's dream, that Assam which is in your hearts, that Assam which is everyone's dream, in which your children's future becomes bright, in which this corruption stops. In which your children can stand with pride and say 'We are of Assam, we have made this state, we get employment in Assam', and in which your and our sisters can stand and say that yes, someone is listening to us, we are safe in our state, we get employment, we get fair wages," she further said.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also launched a huge attack aimed at the Congress today, accusing the party of being "the root cause" of corruption in Independent India.
Speaking at a public rally in Biswanath, the Prime Minister accused Congress of playing with Assam's identity, pride, and security, adding that it compromised with Assamese identity for the sake of power.
Furthermore, while addressing a public rally in Assam's Gogamukh, the Prime Minister expressed confidence of achieving a "hattrick" of victory in the state. Meanwhile, in an indirect jibe at LoP Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, he stressed that the upcoming election will mark "a century of defeats for Congress' self-proclaimed prince."
The polling for all 126 Assembly constituencies will be held in a single phase on April 9, while the counting of votes is scheduled for May 4. Assam will witness a fight between the incumbent BJP-led NDA government and Congress for the 126-seat assembly.
The BJP is contesting the elections with Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) and Bodoland People's Front (BPF). The NDA will look to secure a third consecutive term, while the Congress aims to defeat the ruling party to return to power.
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