'PM Modi Has Ruined India's Businessmen, Mamata Destroying Bengal's Industry': Rahul Gandhi

Raiganj: Congress MP and Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been effectively "held captive" by the US President because the "Epstein files" reportedly contain names ranging from the PM himself to Union Ministers and BJP leaders.

PM Modi has reportedly promised Donald Trump that the US can dictate where India purchases its oil and in doing so, he has compromised the security of India's energy sector, Gandhi said at a rally for the upcoming West Bengal Assembly election in Raiganj.

He said that PM Modi addresses Trump as 'Sir' adding, "Trump spends his entire day hurling insults at the Indian PM, even going so far as to threaten to destroy his career within two minutes, yet PM Modi continues to embrace him," he said.

Gandhi has accused PM Modi of selling out the interests of India's small business owners to the United States by entering into a trade agreement with the country wherein India is committed to purchasing goods worth Rs 9.5 lakh crore annually, he said adding, this pact is bound to inflict severe damage upon Indian businesses.

Claiming that the BJP has utilised the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise to arbitrarily strike out the names of voters from the electoral lists in Bengal, Gandhi claimed that the Trinamool Congress has failed to work for the state's development. "If Modi is guilty of corruption, TMC is certainly not far behind. The Sarada scam devastated 17 lakh families, while the Rose Valley scam left 31 lakh families completely destitute. These scandals collectively amount to a corruption racket worth Rs 6,600 crore yet not a single victim has received any restitution," he said.

He further alleged, "The Trinamool Congress extorts money through various means from coal mining operations to imposition of a 'goonda tax'. Under TMC's rule, the common people of Bengal see no improvement in their lives; the only beneficiaries are those affiliated with the various syndicates. In 2021, the Trinamool promised to provide employment to 5 lakh people, yet nothing substantial has materialised. Consequently, 84 lakh youths have been forced to apply for the 'Yuvashree' unemployment allowance scheme. There was a time when Bengal stood as a hub of industrial activity; however, first the Communists and then Mamata Banerjee have utterly ruined the state."

He also cited the RG Kar Medical College and Hospital rape and murder case, Gandhi alleged that women in Bengal are constantly falling victims to abuse and violence.

Raising his voice regarding the alleged nexus between PM Modi, the BJP, and the Adani Group, Gandhi asserted that the US has filed multiple lawsuits against Adani, who now fears travelling abroad as he is well aware that stepping outside India would inevitably lead to his arrest. "Within India, he finds shelter under the protection of the Prime Minister and the BJP," he said.

Announcing five guarantees for West Bengal, the LoP said that Congress's roadmap for Bengal includes ensuring women's honour, farmer welfare, opportunities for youth, complete solutions for health and education. "By voting for Congress, support justice and progress," he added.

Gandhi said that people of Bengal will get health insurance up to Rs 10 lakh along with free dialysis and cancer treatment in district hospitals and free education for students up to graduation and for women up to post graduation along with education on AI and English in schools. He announced Rs 15,000 annual assistance to farmers along with 200 units of free electricity and assured that all government vacancies will be filled. Guaranteed internships and AI skill development centres at the district level will be set up, he said. He also announced a Rs 2000 per month assistance for women.

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