The Gujarat Congress launched a fierce offensive against the state's BJP government on Saturday as it commenced the second phase of its 'Jan Aakrosh Yatra'. The rally, which began from the Shri Bhathiji Temple in Fagvel, Kheda district, saw senior leaders level serious allegations of administrative failure, rampant drug abuse, and corruption in central schemes.
Allegations of Government Inaction on Drug Menace
Vadgam MLA Jignesh Mevani delivered a scathing indictment of the state government's approach to the drug crisis. He claimed that due to the administration's "inaction," a staggering 25 lakh people in Gujarat have become addicted to drugs. Mevani stated that since 2019 alone, over 50,000 individuals have fallen prey to addiction.
"The Chief Minister is silent. Addicts are selling their household utensils to fund their habit, yet not a single minister or officer feels ashamed," Mevani alleged. He went further, accusing certain ministers of being "traitors" who profit from the drug and flesh trade, thereby betraying the people of Gujarat.
Congress Attacks Renaming of MGNREGA, Demands Farm Loan Waiver
Gujarat Pradesh Congress Committee (GPCC) chief Amit Chavda spearheaded the attack on issues concerning rural distress and employment. He strongly condemned the removal of Mahatma Gandhi's name from the rural job guarantee scheme, calling it an "insult" to the Father of the Nation. "The whole world bows to Gandhi. Changing a scheme's name brings no benefit to people," Chavda asserted.
He alleged large-scale corruption in the implementation of MGNREGA in Gujarat, claiming scams worth crores of rupees have gone uninvestigated. "Instead of providing employment, BJP's cronies are filling their coffers," he charged.
Chavda also reiterated the party's demand for a complete waiver of farmer loans. He contrasted the former UPA government's debt waiver of Rs 72,000 crore for farmers with the current regime's policies, alleging the BJP only has the budget to waive loans for industrialists. He highlighted the devastation caused by unseasonal rains this year and the lack of a substantial relief package, which he linked to over 26 farmer suicides.
Historical Legacy and Broader Accusations
Jignesh Mevani invoked history to question the BJP and RSS's legacy, stating they were not part of India's freedom struggle, unlike Congress leaders who faced British batons and imprisonment in Kala Pani. He also reminded OBC communities about the contributions of former CM Madhavsinh Solanki, linking him to initiatives like the mid-day meal scheme.
Other leaders joined the critique. Congress MP from Banaskantha, Geni Thakor, accused the government of failing to curb the illicit liquor trade by arresting bootleggers. Leader of Opposition Dr. Tushar Chaudhary noted the overwhelming public response to the yatra in Central Gujarat, suggesting people are emerging from an "atmosphere of fear." He also pointed to the poor state of infrastructure, citing broken bridges and road conditions, and accused the government of pervasive corruption.
The second leg of the Jan Aakrosh Yatra marks a significant escalation in the Congress's campaign to corner the Gujarat government on issues of governance, rural distress, and public welfare ahead of crucial political battles.
