Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday said the time has come to remove the Narendra Modi government, following the resignation of Union minister Dharmendra Pradhan. Pradhan stepped down from the cabinet after being named as the Bharatiya Janata Party's candidate for the upcoming assembly elections in Jharkhand.
Rahul Gandhi's Statement
"The time has come to remove this government. Daro mat (don't be afraid)," Gandhi said in a tweet, referring to the resignation. He added that the Modi government has failed on all fronts, including economy, unemployment, and farmers' issues. The Congress leader urged the opposition parties to unite to defeat the BJP in the next general elections.
Dharmendra Pradhan's Resignation
Dharmendra Pradhan, who held the portfolio of education and skill development, resigned from the Union council of ministers on Wednesday. He is expected to contest from the Jharkhand assembly constituency of Silli. Pradhan's resignation is seen as a strategic move by the BJP to strengthen its presence in the state ahead of the polls.
Political Reactions
Several opposition leaders echoed Gandhi's sentiment. Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera said, "Pradhan's resignation is an admission of the government's failure. The people of India want a change." The BJP, however, dismissed the criticism, with party spokesperson Sambit Patra stating that Pradhan's resignation was a routine electoral move and not a reflection of the government's performance.
Impact on Jharkhand Elections
The Jharkhand assembly elections are scheduled for later this year. The BJP has been in power in the state since 2019. Pradhan's entry into the fray is expected to boost the party's campaign. Political analysts say his resignation as a union minister will allow him to focus on the state's election. The Congress is also gearing up for the polls, hoping to capitalize on anti-incumbency sentiment.
According to the Election Commission, there are 81 assembly seats in Jharkhand. The BJP currently has 25 seats, while the Congress has 13. The Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) is the largest party with 30 seats. The elections are likely to be a multi-cornered contest.
