New Delhi: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi proclaimed the imminent arrival of an “I.N.D.I.A. bloc storm,” asserting that Prime Minister Narendra Modi would not secure another term. Addressing a gathering in Kannauj, where Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav is contesting in the Lok Sabha polls, Gandhi declared, “Take it as a written guarantee that Narendra Modi is not going to become the prime minister of India. It’s over.”
Joined by Yadav in joint rallies held in Kannauj and Kanpur, the two leaders campaigned as allies in Uttar Pradesh, where the Congress is contesting on 17 of the 80 Lok Sabha seats under their seat-sharing agreement. Gandhi highlighted the extensive groundwork done by the I.N.D.I.A. bloc over the years, including Bharat Jodo Yatra, the Nyay Yatra, and various opposition meetings, claiming that a “shop of love” had been opened in the “bazaar of hatred.”
Asserting their confidence in the upcoming elections, Gandhi predicted a significant victory for the Congress in Uttar Pradesh. He said the inevitability of change, both in Uttar Pradesh and across India, attributing it to the decisive mindset of the people.
Gandhi urged the electorate to focus on crucial issues, particularly the Constitution, amidst attempts by Modi and Union home minister Amit Shah to divert attention. He warned against any tampering with the Constitution, asserting that he and Akhilesh Yadav had resolved to protect it from any external threats.
Accusing the Prime Minister of favouring wealthy individuals, Gandhi criticised the waiver of loans worth `16 lakh crore for a select few while promising to alleviate the burdens of farmers and the poor. He pledged to prioritise the welfare of marginalised communities, vowing to distribute funds to them equivalent to those received by Adani and Ambani.
In response to Modi's recent allegations of collusion between the Congress and industrialists Adani and Ambani, Gandhi dismissed them as baseless, mocking the prime minister's attempts to seek refuge from impending defeat. Referring to Modi's earlier speech where he mentioned "tempo-loads of black money," Gandhi quipped about the prime minister's firsthand knowledge of the situation.
SP chief Akhilesh Yadav echoed Gandhi's sentiments, assuring the people of Kannauj of continued development initiatives under their leadership. He highlighted the contributions of the Samajwadi Party to the region's progress and promised to enhance its growth further.
AAP leader Sanjay Singh and other party representatives also voiced their support for the I.N.D.I.A. bloc and accused the BJP of attempting to dismantle the Constitution to abolish reservation policies. They criticized the BJP's divisive tactics and urged voters to reject such attempts.
With Kannauj and Kanpur gearing up for polls on May 13, the political climate in Uttar Pradesh remains charged as parties intensify their campaigning efforts.
