The Congress party's 'Jan Aakrosh Yatra' launched a scathing attack on the ruling BJP government during its Vadodara leg on Friday, holding it responsible for the city's perennial flood crisis and a host of other governance failures. The yatra, which began from Savli, saw Gujarat Pradesh Congress Committee (GPCC) President Amit Chavda and Leader of Opposition Dr. Tushar Chaudhary leading the charge.
Criminal Negligence Behind Vadodara's Flood Woes
GPCC chief Amit Chavda accused the BJP of "criminal negligence and corruption" for the repeated flood situations in Vadodara. He stated that the delay in the Vishwamitri River rejuvenation project was a primary cause. Chavda alleged that instead of solving the problem, those in power in the corporation and Gandhinagar were filling their own pockets through crore-worth projects in the name of deepening the river. He further claimed that flood-affected citizens were not receiving adequate assistance.
Broader Accusations: From Worker Exploitation to Law & Order
As the yatra moved through Manjusar, Dumad, Chhani, and parts of Vadodara city, the leaders expanded their criticism. They highlighted the plight of workers in the GIDC Savli area, alleging violations of labour laws. Chavda claimed workers were forced to toil for over 12 hours a day without safety arrangements, contrary to the eight-hour workday law. He also asserted that families of deceased workers were denied proper compensation and that local youth were being sidelined from employment.
Dr. Tushar Chaudhary labeled the BJP a "government of industrialists," alleging it protects them unconditionally while laws like the Labour Act and Factory Act are ignored for workers. He called for an organized struggle, which the Congress pledged to lead from the streets to the legislative house.
The Congress leaders also pointed to a perceived breakdown in law and order, citing incidents of rape, bootlegging, and rising drug abuse in colleges. They accused the BJP government of being engrossed in "politics of symbolism" rather than addressing these ground realities.
National and International Policy Failures Cited
The criticism was not confined to state issues. The Congress party also targeted the BJP for its silence on two fronts: the alleged atrocities against Hindus in Bangladesh and the weakening Indian rupee against the US dollar. This dual attack aimed to paint the government as failing on both domestic welfare and foreign policy vigilance.
The 'Jan Aakrosh Yatra' in Vadodara served as a platform for the Congress to consolidate its narrative against the BJP ahead of upcoming political battles, focusing on civic mismanagement, economic distress, and social insecurity.
