Rahul Gandhi backs Baghel, says BJP only works for ‘welfare of few billionaires’

Rahul Gandhi on Saturday said states ruled by his party work for the welfare of the poor and “not the welfare of Adani”, as he launched a broadside against BJP

Updated on: Sep 3, 2023, 02:17:54 IST

By Ritesh Mishra, Raipur

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Congress lawmaker Rahul Gandhi on Saturday said states ruled by his party work for the welfare of the poor and “not the welfare of Adani”, as he launched a broadside against the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) during a rally in Nava Raipur city in poll-bound Chhattisgarh.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi attacks BJP during a rally in Nava Raipur city in Chhattisgarh on Saturday. (ANI)

The BJP-led Centre works “only to benefit two or three” billionaires, Gandhi said during his address.

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“Be it in Karnataka, Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh or in our upcoming governments in Telangana and Madhya Pradesh, our administration will work for the poor, not for Adani,” he said.

In response to Rahul’s allegations, senior BJP leader and spokesperson Sacchinand Upasane said, “Rahul Gandhi should ask Chhattisgarh government why Adani has been given various contacts by this government even after tribals confronted. This is just a political stunt. He is misleading . Everyone knows that who is working for whom”.

Gandhi, the Congress MP from Wayanad in Kerala, attacked the Adani Group days after reports in The Guardian and Financial Times alleged irregularities in the firm’s use of offshore funds, and asked why Prime Minister Narendra Modi was not initiating a probe against the embattled conglomerate.

The Adani Group has rejected these reports and called them “recycled allegations”.

“Recent news articles claimed Adani sent thousands of crores to other countries and, through that money, increased his shares in the stock market… Why does PM Modi not want a probe against Adani?” he asked.

In Addressing a convention of the Rajiv Yuva Mitan Club in Nava Raipur, Gandhi sought to shore up Bhupesh Baghel-led government’s prospects of returning to power in Chhattisgarh.

Elections to the eastern state are due later this year.

He also accused the BJP of “spreading hatred and violence across the country”.

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“The country cannot progress and become economically empowered with hatred and violence. The country will move forward by taking everyone with love and respect,” he added.

He also made a pitch to tribal people, saying adivasis are the original “owners of Hindustan.”

“Adivasis are the original owners of Hindustan and the first owners of the land, water, and forests, and have first rights over them. However, the BJP has coined a new term ‘Vanvasi’. This word has a different meaning. Their thinking behind the word (vanvasi) is that you (tribals) are not the owners of Hindustan,” Gandhi said.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Ritesh Mishra
Ritesh Mishra is the State Correspondent for Chhattisgarh with Hindustan Times. He reports on Maoism, internal security, politics, mining, governance, and major developments shaping the state. Based in Raipur, he has covered Chhattisgarh since 2016, reporting extensively from the Bastar region and other conflict-affected areas. With nearly two decades of experience in journalism, Ritesh has built a reputation for ground reporting from some of India's most challenging terrains. His coverage spans Left-Wing Extremism, counter-insurgency operations, elections, tribal affairs, environmental issues, infrastructure, mining, and socio-economic developments. He has reported on major security operations, policy initiatives, wildlife crime, and the changing dynamics of conflict and development in Central India. Before moving to Chhattisgarh, Ritesh spent eight years reporting from Madhya Pradesh, covering politics, administration, crime, development, and social issues. Throughout his career, he has reported on various forms of extremism in Central India, combining field reporting with in-depth analysis to produce accurate, balanced, and impactful journalism. Prior to joining Hindustan Times, Ritesh worked with The Pioneer and The Free Press Journal, where he covered a wide range of beats and honed his skills in political, investigative, and field reporting. His reporting is marked by exclusive stories, extensive fieldwork, and a commitment to factual, on-the-ground journalism that brings complex issues to a wider audience.Read More

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