Farmers Movement Archive

Bihar: Rahul Gandhi takes on PM over China, migrants crisis & jobs

PATNA: In his two rallies in the state, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi launched a stinging attack on both PM Narendra Modi and chief minister Nitish Kumar. He took on the PM on issues such as the Chinese aggression at the borders, the migrant crisis during the Covid-19 lockdown and the farm laws among others while slamming Nitish for his “misgovernance”. Sharing the dais with Mahagathbandhan CM candidate Tejashwi Prasad Yadav at Hisua in Nawada, where Congress has put up its candidate, Rahul began his speech with two questions to the massive audience gathered, “How was Nitish Ji’s government? How did you like PM Modi’s speech?” He then asked the PM when will he oust China from India’s land occupied by the enemy and accused him of lying on the India-China border skirmishes. “Today PM Modi said he bows his head for martyred jawans. We all bow our head for them. But the question is why he lied about China’s intrusion. China has occupied 1200 sq km of land and the PM has lied to the entire country about it. In a way, he insulted our martyred jawans from Bihar,” Rahul said. Rapping the NDA government over the migrant crisis, Rahul said, “You have walked for thousands of kilometres hungry and thirsty and PM Modi had no concern. He did not even arrange for trains. I have full faith that Bihar will now give the right reply to PM Modi and Nitish Kumar.” He then raised the issue of unemployment and reminded about the two crore job promises made by the PM. “Did any of you get a job?” Rahul asked the audience. He said, “PM Modi talks about bowing his head for farmers and labourers, but in reality, he works for Ambani and Adani.” He added, “Who got the benefit of demonetization and GST? Did you see Ambani and Adani standing in the line outside the bank? Though PM Modi publicly talks about farmers and labours, the moment he goes back home, he works for his industrialist friends.” In another rally at Kahalgoan, Rahul talked about the Covid-19 pandemic and how his advice to the Centre was ignored. He blamed PM Modi for destroying the economy and worsening the condition of farmers, labourers and small businessmen. Tejashwi, on the other hand, said he was expecting the PM to talk on special status and special package given to Bihar. However, the younger Yadav scion mainly targeted CM Nitish from the dais. Switching between Hindi and Bhojpuri, Tejashwi said he will work for the people of all castes and religions. “A few people are trying to divert from the main agenda and create hatred based on caste and religion. But people of Bihar will cast their vote on the right agenda,” said Tejashwi. He repeated his promise of 10 lakh government jobs, equal pay for equal work for niyojit teachers and increasing the honorarium for various self-help groups. Hisua Congress candidate Nitu Singh, Nawada RJD candidate Vibha Devi and Prakash Veer, the Rajauli RJD candidate were present on the stage. He ended by claiming that his father and RJD supremo Lalu Prasad will be out of jail on November 9. “The same day is my birthday and the next day on November 10 will be Nitish Ji’s farewell,” said the younger Yadav scion to the crowd, which kept hooting and cheering. With inputs from SB Sinha

The Times of India

2020-10-24

Patna