Nahan: Addressing a large public rally in Nahan, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi and industrialist Adani of causing apple growers in Himachal Pradesh to suffer unfair prices.
Gandhi drew a roaring response from the crowd, likening them to lions gathered together. He highlighted that an ordinary man, Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu, has become the Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh after 40 years of relentless hard work. Gandhi praised Sukhu’s dedication and efforts in fighting for the Congress Party’s ideology.
Gandhi criticized the BJP, claiming that its leaders and workers are attacking the ideology behind the Indian Constitution. He alleged that BJP leaders openly state they will tear up the Constitution if they secure more than 400 seats.
Mocking Modi, Gandhi said the Prime Minister claims to have a direct connection with God, and his supporters applaud him for it. He sarcastically questioned the nature and timing of Modi’s supposed divine connection.
Gandhi accused Modi of favoritism towards Adani, alleging that Modi handed over Himachal’s apple industry to Adani and leased seven airports to him for 50 years. He claimed that Adani controls the cold storage facilities and can manipulate apple prices, resulting in low prices for apple growers.
According to Gandhi, Modi forgave ₹16 lakh crore in loans for a few individuals while neglecting ₹9,000 crore for Himachal Pradesh. He suggested that forgiving farmers’ loans over 24 years would have totaled ₹16 lakh crore, benefiting many more people. Gandhi also criticized the media, controlled by Ambani, for not covering the issues affecting apple growers and focusing instead on Ambani’s wedding.
Gandhi announced that if the INDIA coalition forms the government, a list of all poor families will be created, and one woman from each family will receive ₹8,500 monthly starting July 5. He humorously remarked that if the media, owned by Adani and Ambani, makes noise about this, the amount will be doubled.
He also promised to implement Minimum Support Price (MSP) to ensure farmers get fair prices for their crops and to forgive farmers’ loans. Additionally, he pledged to create 30 lakh government jobs and provide employment through MGNREGA. Graduates will receive their first job along with excellent training and a monthly stipend of ₹8,500. Wages for ASHA and Anganwadi workers will also be increased.
Gandhi emphasized the double burden on women, noting that they work long hours both at jobs and at home. He committed to addressing this issue and ensuring fair treatment and support for all workers.
