NEW DELHI: In a recent election meeting, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi invoked his family‘s deep-rooted connection with the people of
Rae Bareli
, contrasting it with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s alleged favoritism towards industrialists
Adani
and
Ambani
.
Gandhi claimed that the Modi government has waived loans amounting to Rs 16 lakh crore for a handful of top industrialists, equivalent to 24 years of MGNREGA funding and highlighted the contributions of his grandmother Indira, father Rajiv, and mother Sonia in improving the lives of Rae Bareli’s residents.
The constituency, considered a Gandhi family stronghold, has been represented by Sonia since 2004 and was previously held by former prime ministers Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi.
Criticizing the media for neglecting the issues faced by farmers and unemployed youth, Gandhi outlined the INDIA bloc’s plans if they come to power. These include compiling a list of poor families and providing them with an annual financial assistance of Rs 1 lakh, waiving loans for small farmers, and ensuring a legalized common minimum support price.
Gandhi also pledged to replace the short-term Agniveer scheme with permanent jobs in the defense forces, complete with pension benefits. Additionally, he promised to provide youngsters with a year-long apprenticeship in public sector organisations, followed by permanent government jobs based on merit.
Rae Bareli is set to vote in the fifth phase of the Lok Sabha election on May 20, with the BJP fielding Uttar Pradesh minister Dinesh Pratap Singh as their candidate.
