Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, addressing a rally in Sukma town of poll-bound Chhattisgarh, alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi aims to prevent power from reaching the hands of the poor. He emphasized the Congress party's historical support for tribals in their quest to protect "jal-jungle-zameen" (water, forest, and land).
Kharge further pointed out that during the foundation stone laying of the new Parliament building, the then President Ram Nath Kovind, considered an 'achhoot' (untouchable), and incumbent President Droupadi Murmu, belonging to a Scheduled Tribe, were not invited. He alleged that only Modi and Shah engage in such practices. Kharge argued that despite the election of Presidents from Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe communities, they never had the opportunity to lay the foundation stone for any building. In his words, "PM Modi does not want power to go into the hands of the poor."
Kharge criticized the BJP for its relentless focus on questioning the Congress's 60-year legacy, accusing them of merely attacking the Congress without concrete action. He stressed that his visit was not solely about seeking votes; it was also about protecting the tribal community, the Constitution, democracy, and the nation.
In a related context, the Konta assembly seat, held by state minister Kawasi Lakhma, a prominent tribal leader of the Congress, was mentioned. Lakhma, a five-term MLA, is seeking a third consecutive term from this seat.
The Chhattisgarh Assembly elections will take place in two phases, with 20 seats going to the polls on November 7 and the remaining 70 on November 17.
Additionally, Congress leader Jairam Ramesh criticized the BJP's strategy in Chhattisgarh, asserting that the party was relying on polarization rather than addressing genuine issues. He claimed that the people of Chhattisgarh would not accept the BJP's divisive approach.
The Congress submitted a memorandum to the Election Commission, seeking action against Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma for their campaign rally statements in Chhattisgarh. The poll body served a notice to Sarma in response.
Ramesh accused the BJP of promoting divisive politics by exploiting religious, caste, and linguistic differences to disrupt communal harmony and secure votes, asserting that this strategy was evident in other states as well.
Expressing confidence in the Congress's ability to retain power in Chhattisgarh, Ramesh stated that the people would reject the BJP's divisive ideology and polarization tactics.
He also claimed that Modi and Shah were misleading the public regarding the privatization of the Nagarnar Steel Plant in the state. Ramesh noted that despite their recent inauguration of the NMDC unit in Bastar, public assets were still being privatized.
Ramesh criticized the irregular operations of trains in Chhattisgarh, highlighting frequent cancellations and delays, mainly due to prioritizing coal transport for private companies. He stated that the Congress had offered 17 poll guarantees to the people of Chhattisgarh, one of which—procurement of 20 quintals of paddy per acre—was being implemented immediately.
