Amit Shah Launches Scathing Attack on Rahul Gandhi Over Trade Deal Claims
In a fiery public address at Karaikal, an enclave of Puducherry located approximately 140 kilometers south of its headquarters, Union Home Minister Amit Shah delivered a sharp rebuke to the leader of the opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi. During his two-day visit to Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, Shah dismissed opposition allegations and emphatically stated that the interests of farmers and fishermen were "protected 100%" in the India-US trade agreement.
Accusations of Deception and Historical Comparisons
Shah did not mince words, accusing Rahul Gandhi of engaging in a pattern of deception. "Rahul Gandhi's policy is to lie, lie loudly and repeat it," he declared, contrasting this with what he described as the compromised agricultural interests during the previous United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government. He asserted that only under the UPA regime were farmers' welfare neglected, while the current National Democratic Alliance (NDA) administration has safeguarded them entirely.
Tribute to Security Forces and Critique of Past Governance
The Union Minister also paid heartfelt tributes to the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel who were martyred in the Pulwama terror attack. He criticized the Congress-led UPA government for what he termed a weak response to terror incidents, highlighting that it did not retaliate strongly. In contrast, Shah praised the NDA government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi for executing the Balakot airstrikes, which targeted terrorist camps in Pakistan as a decisive countermeasure.
Praise for NDA Governance in Puducherry and Corruption Allegations
Shah commended the NDA government in Puducherry, led by All India NR Congress (AINRC) founder-president and Chief Minister N Rangasamy, for its efforts in curbing corruption, ensuring political stability, and strengthening the union territory's autonomy. He launched a scathing attack on the previous Congress government under former Chief Minister V Narayanasamy, accusing it of transforming Puducherry into an 'ATM for the Gandhi family'. Shah alleged that this administration had engaged in corrupt practices by selling undergraduate, postgraduate, and diploma medical seats, including those reserved for Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) candidates, to affluent individuals.
Electoral Ambitions and Strategic Meetings
Looking ahead to the upcoming polls, Shah revealed that the NDA secured a 44% vote share in the 2021 assembly elections. He expressed confidence in the alliance's prospects, stating it "aims at securing 60% and winning 24 out of 30 seats in Puducherry in the ensuing polls." Following his public address, Shah engaged in strategic discussions, meeting with office-bearers of the Bharatiya Janata Party's Puducherry unit. He later chaired a meeting with Chief Minister Rangasamy, election in-charges, and state in-charges at Karaikal in the afternoon, marking the commencement of crucial seat-sharing talks for the alliance.
