In Shimla’s Rohru, Kharge attacks Modi for reducing import duty on apples
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TNR Desk
In a bid to boost the Congress election campaign, party’s national president Mallikarjun Kharge addressed a public meeting at Ramlila Maidan at Rohru in Shimla district of Himachal Pradesh on Saturday (May 25, 2024), criticising Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his government’s policies.
Seeking votes for party candidate from Shimla seat Vinod Sultanpuri, Kharge questioned Modi’s contributions to Himachal Pradesh and highlighted several grievances against the central government.
Kharge accused the Modi government of reducing the import duty on apples, which adversely impacted the state’s apple growers. He also pointed out that despite requesting Rs 10,000 crore from the Centre to compensate for 2023 disaster-related losses in Himachal, the state did not receive the funds. “Modi had promised to deposit Rs 15 lakh in the bank account of every citizen before coming to power. Did anyone receive Rs 15 lakh? Lies were told in the name of providing jobs to the youth,” Kharge asserted.
The Congress president argued that farmers’ incomes had not doubled, contrary to the government’s claims. He emphasised the need for accountability, stating, “The Modi government will have to give an account of the last 10 years.” Kharge underscored the Congress party’s commitment to protecting the Constitution, which he believes is crucial for safeguarding democracy and citizens’ rights. He warned that without holding the current leadership accountable, the country could slide into dictatorship, risking the abolition of laws and rights.
Kharge outlined the Congress’ plans should the INDIA bloc government come to power, including the provision of 30 lakh government jobs and the prevention of paper leaks in recruitment processes. He also promised an import-export policy to benefit farmers, loan waiver for farmers and the promotion of GST-free farming.
During the rally, Kharge was accompanied by Himachal Education Minister Rohit Thakur, Congress candidate from Shimla Lok Sabha seat Vinod Sultanpuri, CPSes, MLAs and other Congress leaders.
