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In a heated exchange during the lead-up to the Haryana assembly elections, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh took a direct shot at Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, responding to the latter's statement about his own longevity. At a rally in Jammu, Kharge, referencing his age, had expressed his determination to live until Prime Minister Narendra Modi was removed from power. This remark sparked a strong reaction from Singh, who, while addressing a rally in Haryana's Charkhi Dadri, retorted with a wish that Kharge live to 125 years, implying that Modi would remain in office for a long time to come.
Singh's statement reflects the intensifying political rhetoric characteristic of election campaigns. It also underscores the BJP's strategy of emphasizing Modi's leadership and projecting an image of stability and progress under their rule. The rally provided an opportunity for Singh to highlight the BJP's achievements in Haryana, touting “non-stop” development under their administration. He urged the electorate to vote for the BJP, warning that a vote for the opposition would result in a setback for the state's development trajectory.
Singh seized the opportunity to attack the Congress, drawing attention to their perceived shortcomings in various states. He pointed to the Congress government in Himachal Pradesh, criticizing their inability to pay salaries to employees, citing ongoing protests for the same. He further highlighted the non-payment of promised financial assistance to women in the state. Similarly, he targeted the Congress government in Karnataka, accusing the chief minister of corruption. This tactic of highlighting the perceived failures of the opposition while emphasizing the BJP's performance is a common strategy during elections.
Singh emphasized the pro-farmer initiatives implemented by the BJP-led government, including the Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme, which provides farmers with annual financial assistance, and the subsidized urea program. This emphasis on agriculture and farmer welfare is a key policy area for the BJP, particularly in states with a significant agricultural population. He also alluded to the internal turmoil within the Haryana Congress, suggesting that the party was divided over the choice of a chief ministerial candidate. Singh's remarks highlight the BJP's efforts to exploit perceived divisions within the opposition and undermine their credibility in the eyes of voters.
The exchange between Singh and Kharge reflects the high-stakes nature of the upcoming Haryana elections. The BJP, confident of its record, is looking to capitalize on its strong leadership image and highlight the alleged shortcomings of the Congress. The Congress, on the other hand, is seeking to mobilize voters by drawing attention to issues like development, economic opportunities, and social justice. The battle for Haryana will undoubtedly see further escalation of rhetoric and a focus on key issues that are critical to the electorate.