The Congress party initiated its campaign for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections with the ‘Hain Tayyar Hum’ rally in Nagpur, Maharashtra, marking the celebration of their 139th Foundation Day on December 28. Rahul Gandhi, the Congress MP from Wayanad, addressed the rally and emphasized the ideological battle prevailing in the country.
Speaking at the rally, Rahul Gandhi highlighted the clash of two ideologies, stating that despite the presence of several parties in the NDA and INDIA alliance, the real war is between two distinct sets of beliefs. He encouraged the gathering, expressing confidence in winning elections both in Maharashtra and nationally.
In a significant announcement, Rahul Gandhi promised a nationwide caste census if the Congress is voted into power at the Centre. He asserted the party’s commitment to undertaking this census to gain insights into the country’s caste demographics.
Taking a dig at the BJP, Rahul Gandhi contrasted the internal dynamics of the Congress, stating that even a junior Congress worker can question and disagree with top party leaders, a feature he suggested was lacking in the BJP.
During his address, Rahul Gandhi shared an interesting anecdote, mentioning that a BJP MP, who was formerly associated with Congress, had conveyed to him that ‘ghulami’ (subservience) prevails in the BJP.
In the context of the upcoming 2024 Lok Sabha polls, Rahul Gandhi drew parallels between the present political scenario and the freedom struggle, emphasizing that the struggle was not fought by the kings or rulers but by the people. He underscored Congress’s historical role in fighting against the partnership between kings and the British.
Rahul Gandhi criticized the current state of affairs, claiming that vice-chancellors are appointed not based on merit but due to their affiliation with a particular organization. He also pointed out that unemployment is at its highest in the last 40 years.
Maharashtra Congress chief Nana Patole had previously stated that the party aims to convey a message of change to defeat the BJP in the upcoming elections, underscoring the party’s commitment to addressing and rectifying issues affecting the country.
