 |
|
In a fiery campaign rally in Gurgaon, Union Home Minister Amit Shah launched a scathing attack on the Congress party, accusing them of promoting anti-national sentiments and neglecting the needs of the majority of Haryana’s population during their tenure. Shah, who was rallying support for BJP candidates in the upcoming Haryana Assembly elections, targeted Congress leader and former Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda, accusing him of favoring only a specific caste and region during his time in office.
Shah’s speech was peppered with accusations, claims of BJP’s superior governance, and appeals to nationalist sentiment. He claimed that Congress leaders had been chanting 'Pakistan Zindabad' during their election campaigns, a charge which he demanded an explanation from Rahul Gandhi. He also criticized the Congress's stance on the Agnipath scheme, assuring potential recruits that they would receive pensions after five years of service. He further reiterated the BJP’s stance on Article 370, asserting that it would never be restored, despite Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s promise to do so.
Shah’s speech highlighted a recurring theme in BJP's campaigning – emphasizing a contrast between the BJP’s inclusive and developmental approach and the Congress’s alleged appeasement politics and negligence. He repeatedly emphasized that BJP had worked for the benefit of all 36 communities in Haryana (referred to as ‘chhattis biradari’), while the Congress had only catered to a select few. This rhetoric is likely to resonate with a significant segment of voters in Haryana, particularly those who identify with the ‘chhattis biradari’ and feel left behind by the Congress. Shah's speech is likely to be followed by a flurry of counter-arguments and debates from the Congress, further intensifying the political discourse in the state ahead of the elections.
Beyond the rhetoric, Shah’s speech also highlighted the BJP’s focus on key issues that are likely to sway voters in Haryana. These include job creation, promises of pensions for Agniveers, and assurances of continued reservation for SC, ST, and OBC communities. The BJP has also been pushing its agenda on issues like the construction of the Ram Temple, the revocation of Article 370, and the implementation of the MSP for various crops. The upcoming elections in Haryana are likely to be a tight contest, with the BJP facing a tough challenge from a resurgent Congress and a growing opposition alliance. Shah’s speech has laid out the BJP’s strategy for the campaign, focusing on highlighting their achievements, emphasizing their nationalist stance, and addressing key concerns of voters.