Jaipur: Congress leaders pledge their support to farmers

The farmers’ meet at Charbhuja in Rajsamand on Sunday saw all the senior state leaders of the Congress party putting up a show of strength as they relentlessly attacked the BJP government. Terming BJP a non-performer PCC chief Sachin Pilot said, “Despite losing last assembly elections, Congress leaders stayed back in their areas and addressed grievances of people.” Reacting on reduction in fuel tax, Pilot said that it was the pressure created by the Opposition that forced chief minister Vasundhara Raje to reduce tax on petrol and diesel.

Addressing the farmer convention, he exuded confidence on the Congress winning the upcoming Assembly election and said that BJP can see defeat coming their way. Congress is counting on its success in the assembly constituencies since last assembly elections where it was in majority with figures of 20 of 22.

Former chief minister Ashok Gehlot echoed the same sentiments during the rally in Charbhuja. “He said the chief minister’s ‘Gaurav Yatra’ will turn into ‘Vidai (farewell) Yatra’ as there was “extreme resentment” among people. He said Raje was “afraid of protests”, but she “always says that she would fight like a lioness to protect her family”.

The senior Congress leader said the chief minister should clarify which is her family because she “never served people of the state and therefore, has no right to seek vote from the public”.

Congress leaders maintained that the rally was organised to discuss farmer-related issues. “Situation of farmers in Mewar is different from those in other regions and thus this convention has been called,” said former congress state president, CP Joshi.

However, on visit to Rajsamand the Congress leaders also sent across the message of unity among the party leaders. After the meet ended, the Congress leaders were once again seen together offering prayers at Shrinathji Temple in the district. Dismissing any infighting within the party, the senior leaders made it clear that the election campaign in Rajasthan will be carried out under the party national president Rahul Gandhi.

‘INACCESSIBLE RAJE’

Ashok Gehlot alleged Raje was “inaccessible” for four years and stayed in five star hotels and heritage palaces instead of circuit houses. He said Raje’s “arrogance was at peak and she has never stayed in circuit houses so that no common man can approach or disturb her”.

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