Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Wednesday accused the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government in Assam of restricting people’s freedom of expression through beneficiary schemes.
In her speech at her first election rally in Nazira, Assam, she said that the electoral battle this time aims to ensure a country where culture flourishes and freedom of expression for all is protected.
“The Assam government is implementing several schemes, including cash transfers to women’s accounts. But they are being forced to attend BJP events, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s rallies or PM programmes, and are told that the benefits will end if they fail to do so,” Vadra said.
“Women across Assam are worried about whether they should do household chores, go out to earn a living, or attend BJP meetings. This is not how schemes are meant to work. It is your own money that you get, and you should get it without losing your freedom,” she added.
Vadra accused the BJP of forcing Congress workers to attend Prime Minister Modi’s events in Assam, alleging that they were forcefully taken away and subjected to threats and intimidation.
“People want a clean and corruption-free government, but just one family is plundering everything, and large tracts of land and resources are being handed over to big industrial companies. Assam is now riddled with scams and syndicates that illegally tax all essentials,” she said.
The Congress leader also referred to cultural icon Zubin Garg and said that the party wants to transform the state into the state of his dreams – strong, developed and where everyone can live with self-respect.
“Modi says they have a dual-engine government, but it is a ‘double-engine’ government, and this government wants to turn the self-respecting people of Assam into slaves. It is time for you to raise your heads and bring Congress to power,” Vadra said.
She highlighted the five key promises made in the conference manifesto, including justice for Zubin Garg in 100 days, permanent land registration for 1 million indigenous people, $25 thousand free medical insurance for all families $50,000 for women to start businesses, and $1,250 per month for all senior citizens.
Vadra is scheduled to attend two more election meetings in Assam in Tengkung and Khwang on Wednesday to seek support from candidates from the Congress and other parties in the opposition alliance.
