In the fervor of the Chhattisgarh Assembly elections, Rahul Gandhi, the prominent leader of the Congress party, has emerged as a pivotal figure. His political campaign is marked by an array of promises and a critical appraisal of the BJP government’s performance. Let’s delve into the heart of these developments as the state’s political landscape ignites with anticipation.

Championing the Farmer’s Cause

Rahul Gandhi ignited his campaign with a bold commitment – to waive the loans of Chhattisgarh’s struggling farmers. Taking a direct jab at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he criticized the BJP’s inability to fulfill its lofty promises. Addressing a spirited rally in the Bhanupratappur assembly constituency, Kanker district, Gandhi emphatically declared, “They (BJP) cannot waive off farmers’ loans; they can only waive off Adani’s loans. We pledged to alleviate the burden of farmers’ loans, and we delivered. Today, I stand before you, making this promise once more – we will once again waive the loans of Chhattisgarh’s farmers.”

“PM Modi had promised to deposit Rs 15 lakh in every bank account but did nothing. I will not make false promises to you. I do what I say.”

Rahul Gandhi

Challenging Allegations of Industrialist Favoritism

Rahul Gandhi’s campaign isn’t just about pledges; it also revolves around dismantling the BJP’s reputation. He accused the BJP of channeling farmers’ resources to favor “two-three industrialists.” In a compelling speech, he presented a stark contrast, emphasizing that while the Congress is committed to the well-being of farmers, laborers, and the underprivileged, the BJP government primarily serves the interests of large corporations, such as the Adani Group.

‘KG to PG’ – Free Education for All

One of the significant commitments made by Rahul Gandhi was a transformative vision – to offer free education from kindergarten (KG) to post-graduation (PG) in government institutions. He pledged that students, regardless of their economic backgrounds, wouldn’t have to bear the financial burden of their education. This groundbreaking initiative, known as ‘KG to PG,’ was aimed at making quality education accessible to every child, fostering a brighter future for Chhattisgarh.

Empowering ‘Tendu’ Leaves Collectors

In a move to uplift marginalized and economically disadvantaged communities, Rahul Gandhi promised an annual grant of Rs 4,000 for ‘tendu’ leaves collectors if the Congress party retained power in the state. This commitment underlined the party’s unwavering dedication to the welfare of the underprivileged.

Advocating for a Comprehensive Caste Census

Rahul Gandhi didn’t shy away from taking on Prime Minister Modi over the issue of a comprehensive caste census. He questioned the Prime Minister’s reluctance to conduct such a census, especially when Modi frequently references ‘OBC’ (other backward class) in his speeches. Gandhi urged the OBC community to recognize that their concerns were being sidelined and affirmed the Congress’s commitment to conduct a thorough caste census if elected at the national level.

Addressing the OBC Representation Gap

Gandhi raised another pertinent issue concerning the underrepresentation of OBC individuals in the government. He emphasized that out of the 90 officers responsible for running the government, only three hailed from the OBC community. This glaring disparity underscored the urgent need for greater inclusion and support for OBCs in government policies. Rahul Gandhi pointed out that while the OBC population comprises over 50%, their voices were inadequately represented and acknowledged.

In essence, Rahul Gandhi’s statements and commitments leading up to the Chhattisgarh Assembly elections echo a broader vision for social justice, education, and economic betterment. His critiques of the BJP government’s performance and his promises are strategically crafted to resonate with the electorate, with the aim of securing their trust and votes. As the election fervor unfolds, these pledges and critiques are poised to significantly shape the political discourse in Chhattisgarh.