Rahul Gandhi electrified the crowd at Gandhi Maidan in Mango on Saturday as he took the stage to campaign for Congress candidates Banna Gupta (Jamshedpur West) and Dr. Ajoy Kumar (Jamshedpur East) in the Assembly Elections 2024. Addressing thousands of supporters, Rahul Gandhi passionately advocated for unity, love, and a commitment to protect India’s Constitution amid rising political and economic pressures.
In a sharp critique of the BJP and PM Narendra Modi’s government, Gandhi accused the BJP of fostering divisions within India, claiming that they seek to dismantle the Constitution and promote hostility. Holding up a copy of the Constitution, he affirmed, “This document belongs to India. It protects the people, the poor, and the marginalized, and we cannot let it be eroded by forces of hatred and arrogance.”
Highlighting Congress’s commitment to unity, he evoked the historic “Bharat Jodo Yatra,” where Congress leaders, including Rahul himself, walked 4,000 kilometers from Kanyakumari to Kashmir in an effort to unite India’s diverse communities. “Our message was simple: unite India,” he said, underscoring Congress's vision to "open a shop of love in the market of hatred."
Accusing the BJP and RSS of sowing discord by exploiting divisions of religion, caste, and language, Gandhi reminded the crowd of Congress’s legacy of uniting the nation through the freedom struggle and drafting the Constitution under the guidance of leaders like Ambedkar and Mahatma Gandhi.
He outlined Congress’s vision for Jharkhand, promising a range of initiatives aimed at empowering women, farmers, and marginalized communities. Key promises included: Women’s Financial Assistance: Monthly support of Rs 2,500 to every woman in Jharkhand, alongside a subsidized gas cylinder priced at Rs 450 and 60 kg of ration per person. Health Care: A health insurance scheme providing free treatment up to Rs 15 lakh for every family, ensuring affordable healthcare for the state’s residents. Support for Farmers: Increased rates for paddy at Rs 3,200 per quintal, aiming to alleviate farmers' economic burdens.
Educational Expansion: Plans to open degree colleges in every block and professional colleges in every district, promising to make higher education accessible across Jharkhand. Increased Reservation: Proposals to raise reservations for Dalits, tribals, and backward classes, as well as a commitment to conducting a caste census for accurate representation in public institutions.
Gandhi sharply criticized the economic policies of GST and demonetization, describing them as tools designed to favor the wealthy while harming small traders, farmers, and the poor. “GST is swallowing people,” he argued, emphasizing the hardships faced by laborers and farmers. He contrasted this with the media’s focus on high-profile figures, notably remarking that “farmers and poor laborers are not visible on TV, but Ambani’s wedding is.”
Rahul pauses during Namaz
In a defining moment, when the Azan for Namaz began at the nearby Bari Masjid, Gandhi paused for his speech, honouring the call to prayer. Resuming after the Azan, he affirmed, “This country belongs to everyone; it is a land of brotherhood.” His gesture and words underscored his message of inclusivity, unity, and respect for all faiths.
Closing his speech, Rahul Gandhi assured supporters that the Congress and the India Alliance stand unwaveringly against what he termed the divisive tactics of the BJP. “We are here to open a shop of love in the market of hatred. We will work 24 hours a day to defeat hate with love,” he said, calling upon the people to save the Constitution and uphold the values of unity, brotherhood, and respect for diversity.
