Farmers Movement Archive

Prevailing situation in India like during British rule: Sonia

NEW DELHI: In a sharp attack on the Modi government, Congress president Sonia Gandhi Monday said that the prevailing situation in the country was akin to the one during the British rule, as she urged party workers to unite and fight against “dictatorship”. Recalling that Congress was born out of a people’s movement and made sacrifices in fighting the British empire, Sonia Gandhi, in a video message on the party’s 136th Foundation day, said, “Today, once again, the circumstances are similar to those existing before independence. The rights of people are being crushed, there is dictatorship everywhere, democratic and constitutional institutions are being finished. Unemployment is at its peak, farms and fields are being attacked and black laws are being imposed on the country’s ‘annadata’.” “We will have to unite to save the pride and honour of the tricolour, under which we achieved our nation's freedom. We have to win over the hearts of people,” she said. Congress Monday celebrated its 136th Foundation Day, holding online campaign “selfie with Tiranga” and events at state and district level across the country. Sonia Gandhi, who has been avoiding public appearances owing to health issues, skipped the function while Rahul Gandhi is on a personal trip abroad. In their absence, Congress leader A K Antony unfurled the party flag at the AICC headquarters. Among those present were senior leaders Ghulam Nabi Azad, Anand Sharma, AICC general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Rajeev Shukla, Mahila Congress chief Sushmita Dev. Defending Rahul’s foreign trip, Congress general secretary K C Venugopal said, “BJP is indulging in low-level politics and hitting out at Rahul Gandhi because they want to target only one leader. Rahul Gandhi has gone to see his grandmother. Is it wrong? Everybody has the right to undertake personal visits.” AICC spokesman Randeep Surjewala said Rahul had gone to meet a family member who is unwell and his trip is not a vacation. Rahul Gandhi tweeted, “The Congress has been committed from the beginning to raise its voice in national interest. Today, on the foundation day of the Congress, we reiterate our pledge of truth and equality. Jai Hind!” Criticising the Modi government over the ongoing agitation by farmers, Priyanka Gandhi said, “Farmers are food providers of the country while their sons stand guard on the borders. It is a sin to use the kind of words they are using for farmers. Government is answerable to farmers. Government should listen to them and take back the farm laws.”

The Times of India

2020-12-29

India