Priyanka Gandhi Vadra Launches Scathing Attack on BJP's Assam Governance
Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra delivered a fiery speech at a rally in Nazira, Assam, on Wednesday, sharply criticizing the BJP-led central and state governments. She accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma of operating a "government of double-slavery," a direct rebuttal to the BJP's "double-engine government" slogan.
Allegations of Failed Promises and Corruption
Priyanka Gandhi targeted the BJP's central campaign pitch, asserting it has not delivered on its commitments. "They promised a double-engine government, but instead, they have run a government of double-slavery," she stated. She elaborated that Modi has become "a slave to America," leading to national crises, while Sarma is "Modi ji's slave." She further alleged that this governance aims to suppress the people of Assam.
She urged voters to reject politics driven by fear and self-interest, emphasizing that the BJP only acts when it sees personal benefit. "We want a government in Assam that doesn't scare or threaten you, but serves you honestly, advancing your culture and civilization," she added.
Priyanka Gandhi also accused the Assam BJP government of functioning through intimidation and corruption, claiming public funds are misused for personal enrichment rather than public welfare like schools, hospitals, and roads. "Only one family is looting everything in Assam," she alleged, while citizens struggle with unfulfilled promises such as wage hikes for tea garden workers and Scheduled Tribe status for communities.
Congress's Welfare Promises and Vision for Assam
Outlining Congress's pledges, Priyanka Gandhi promised significant welfare measures if her party wins power. These include direct bank transfers of Rs 50,000 to women for small businesses and health insurance coverage up to Rs 25 lakh, citing similar successes in Rajasthan.
She also addressed the issue of justice for Assamese singer Zubeen Garg, vowing to resolve it within 100 days of forming government. Additionally, she promised permanent land deeds for 10 lakh local residents, replacing temporary ones.
Rejecting claims of politicization, she argued that addressing public demands for justice is a duty. She called for a "new Assam" free from corruption, where children's futures are bright and cultural pride is upheld.
Modi's Counterattack and Election Context
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi countered with strong accusations against Congress during his rallies in Assam. He labeled Congress as "the root cause" of corruption in India and accused it of compromising Assam's identity, pride, and security for political gain, including encouraging illegal infiltration.
Modi defended the BJP's "double-engine government," highlighting its record of development and good governance. He promised policy measures like implementing the Uniform Civil Code and protecting tribal rights under the Sixth Schedule if re-elected.
This political exchange intensifies as Assam approaches a high-stakes assembly election, with polling for all 126 constituencies set for April 9 and counting on May 4. The contest is expected to be a direct battle between the BJP-led NDA and Congress, with both sides ramping up campaigns in the final phase.
