Senior Congress leader Harish Rawat has strongly criticised the ruling BJP, claiming that the party suffers from a “phobia” of Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi and is trying to weaken his political standing through every possible method.
Referring to the political strategy of “Sama, Dama, Danda, Bheda,” Rawat alleged that attempts were being made to damage Rahul Gandhi’s image using propaganda and even constitutional institutions. He said Rahul Gandhi continues to emerge as a strong opposition voice representing marginalised and struggling sections of society despite such efforts.
Rawat said the BJP and Prime Minister Narendra Modi were attempting to contain Rahul Gandhi through persuasion, pressure, division and punishment. He alleged that propaganda machinery and institutions were being misused but added that Rahul’s image as a “fighting opposition leader” remained unaffected.
Rawat further stated that Rahul Gandhi’s political relevance cannot be reduced whether he is in power or opposition. He said Rahul Gandhi would continue to represent ordinary citizens facing injustice, hardships and social inequalities, and would remain a voice for people seeking progress and fairness.
Commenting on the Prime Minister’s appeal to reduce fuel consumption, use public transport, limit cooking oil usage and avoid gold purchases for a year, Rawat said the appeal should have come earlier, before the Assembly elections. He added that Congress would extend cooperation wherever national interest was involved. The nation comes first, and the people of the nation come first, he added.
Prime Minister Modi, while addressing an event in Vadodara, highlighted global energy supply disruptions caused by conflicts in West Asia and said India was facing challenges of rising prices and supply uncertainty due to dependence on imported crude oil.
Emphasising collective responsibility, the Prime Minister urged citizens to reduce petrol and diesel consumption by using metros, electric buses and public transport. He also encouraged government and private offices to promote virtual meetings and work-from-home arrangements to cut unnecessary fuel usage.
He further appealed to people to reduce cooking oil consumption for both economic and health benefits and suggested postponing gold purchases during periods of economic pressure to help the country manage external challenges.
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