Valmiki Nagar, Bihar: Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra launched a scathing attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) on Wednesday, addressing a public rally in Valmiki Nagar, Bihar. Her remarks touched on multiple contentious issues, from the BJP's criticism of Jawaharlal Nehru to allegations of "dynasty politics" and the undermining of democratic institutions.
Vadra began by referencing the recent New York City mayoral election, where Zohran Mamdani, the newly elected mayor, quoted Nehru's famous "Tryst with Destiny" speech. She contrasted this with what she described as the constant "insults" Nehru faces in India from BJP leaders. "From morning till evening, leaders of the BJP remain busy hurling abuses at Nehru, blaming him for all the ills that plague the country," she stated. She questioned why the BJP consistently references Nehru, Indira Gandhi, and the past instead of addressing the present needs of the people.
Countering the BJP's persistent "dynasty politics" charge against the Congress, Vadra defended her family's legacy, emphasizing their sacrifices for the nation's freedom. "The soil here is soaked in your blood as well as our blood," she asserted. "But those who scream from stages that there is dynasty politics can never understand these sacrifices, including martyrdom (shahadat). This is not parivarvaad but our dharma towards the nation". She argued that the BJP fails to appreciate the historical sacrifices of Congress's founding generations.
Vadra also echoed concerns about the undermining of democratic institutions, a recurring theme in Congress's recent campaign. She supported Rahul Gandhi's allegations of "vote theft" in Haryana, urging citizens to recognize their power and "drag the ruling government out". She accused the NDA of "destroying everything" and called for action against alleged election manipulation. Vadra claimed that the NDA wants to form the government in Bihar through "vote-chori".
Further attacking the NDA, Vadra accused the government of "divisive politics" and propagating "fake nationalism" to distract from issues like unemployment and inflation. She alleged that the BJP's policies are designed to weaken the country and foster division among people. Vadra criticized the government's failure to address unemployment in Bihar, which she said leads to mass migration. She pointed out that people from Bihar can be found working in various states, from Kerala to Kashmir.
Vadra reiterated the Congress party's claims of "vote-chori" by the BJP, citing the removal of voters from electoral rolls. She alleged that this move is an attempt to undermine the democratic process and endanger the people's right to vote.
In her address, Vadra urged voters to see through what she described as the BJP's distractions and focus on the real issues affecting their lives. She positioned the Congress as a party committed to serving the people and protecting the nation's wealth, while accusing the BJP of weakening the country and putting the people's votes in danger.
