Congress Levels Serious Allegations Against BJP and AAP Governments
The Congress party launched a sharp attack on Saturday. They targeted both the BJP-led central government and the Aam Aadmi Party administration in Punjab. Senior Congress leaders gathered in Chandigarh to voice their concerns. They accused the two governments of engaging in widespread deception.
Claims of Betrayal and False Promises
Rajendra Gautam, who chairs the SC wing of the All India Congress Committee, led the charge. He was joined by Punjab Congress chief Amrinder Singh Raja Warring and former Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi. Together, they presented a united front. The leaders stated clearly that both governments survive solely on lies. They argued these administrations make fake promises to the public.
Gautam expressed deep frustration. He said the BJP has systematically undone the great work done by the Congress for the nation. He emphasized the BJP's lack of involvement in India's freedom struggle. He also noted their absence in the crucial nation-building efforts that followed independence.
Specific Allegations Against Both Parties
The accusations were detailed and specific. Gautam claimed the BJP snatched away MGNREGA benefits from the poor and Dalit communities. He then turned his focus to the AAP government in Punjab. He alleged they cheated the people by failing to deliver on scholarships and other welfare schemes. These schemes, he reminded everyone, were originally launched by the Congress.
Gautam suggested a secret understanding exists. He pointed to links between the RSS-BJP and figures like Anna Hazare and Arvind Kejriwal. He argued these individuals played into the hands of these organizations. Their goal, he claimed, was to defame the previous Congress-led UPA government with false corruption charges. He highlighted that investigating agencies under the Modi government later found these allegations to be baseless.
Criticism of AAP's Use of Power
The Congress leader did not hold back in his criticism of AAP's leadership. He named Arvind Kejriwal, Manish Sisodia, and Satyendar Jain directly. He accused them of grossly misusing their power. Gautam stated these leaders are utterly addicted to political authority. He argued their move to Punjab was driven by this addiction, as they could not survive without holding office.
He drew a vivid comparison. Just as the AAP built a lavish "Sheesh Mahal" in Delhi, he said, they constructed a similar luxurious house in Chandigarh. This, he implied, was to enjoy the perks and privileges of power.
Alleged Neglect of Dalit Communities
A significant portion of the press conference focused on Dalit issues. Gautam noted that Dalits constitute a substantial 38-40% of Punjab's population. He credited them with playing a major role in electing the AAP government. However, he expressed outrage at their subsequent treatment.
When the AAP had the chance to nominate members to the Rajya Sabha, they did not select a single Dalit representative. This was true for both Delhi and Punjab. Furthermore, Gautam alleged the AAP government denied scholarships to Dalit students. They also delayed payments under the ‘Shagun' scheme for Dalit families.
Congress Announces New Constitutional Campaign
Amidst these criticisms, the Congress party revealed its own positive plan. They announced the imminent launch of a constitutional awareness campaign across Punjab. This initiative aims to reach every single village in the state. The goal is to educate people about their constitutional rights.
The campaign will highlight the foundational work of leaders like Jawaharlal Nehru and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar. It seeks to reconnect citizens with the core principles of the Indian Constitution. This move is positioned as a direct response to what the Congress sees as the failures and falsehoods of the current governments.
