Rahul Gandhi Launches Scathing Attack on Modi and Assam CM Ahead of Polls
In a series of fiery election rallies held in Assam's Karbi Anglong and Jorhat districts on Thursday, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi escalated his political rhetoric with direct allegations against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. The Congress MP claimed that US President Donald Trump exerts control over the Indian Prime Minister, while simultaneously branding Sarma as the nation's most corrupt chief executive.
Allegations of Foreign Influence and Trade Concerns
Addressing enthusiastic crowds, Gandhi questioned why he was discussing US-India relations during state election campaigning. "You might ask why is Rahul Gandhi speaking about the US-India deal during Assam election campaigning? You need to understand where the pressure on you is being mounted," he stated emphatically.
The Congress leader directly attributed the recent trade agreement between India and the United States to what he described as Trump's influence over Modi. "Why did this deal happen? It happened because Donald Trump controls Narendra Modi," Gandhi asserted during his campaign speech.
He expressed grave concerns about the agricultural implications of the trade pact, warning that Indian farmers face significant risks from American competition. "Soybean, pulses, fruits, cotton have all been opened to American farmers by Narendra Modi. Indian farmers have small farms with fewer mechanizations... Indian farmers will get crushed and erased," Gandhi cautioned, painting a dire picture of the agricultural sector's future.
Expanding his critique to broader national sovereignty issues, Gandhi made additional claims about data security and energy independence. "Today, if India wants to purchase oil from other countries, permission is needed from Donald Trump and America... Narendra Modi handed over India's data to Donald Trump. They can do anything they want with that data," he added, though providing no specific evidence for these assertions.
Direct Assault on Assam Chief Minister
Turning his attention to state politics, Gandhi launched a particularly aggressive attack on Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, whom he labeled as "India's most corrupt CM" and alleged that Sarma's family ranked equally high in corruption.
"The Congress government will take action against him. Though he is boasting now, he will be completely silent after that," Gandhi promised, suggesting future legal consequences if his party assumes power.
The Congress leader accused the Assam administration of operating through syndicates and implementing what he termed a "land ATM" scheme. "Modi, Shah and Sarma have made a land ATM in Assam. They snatch land from the people and give it to big industrialists," Gandhi asserted, claiming systematic land dispossession benefiting corporate interests.
He remained uncompromising about potential legal actions, stating "Even if the CM seeks forgiveness, the law will take its own course... Nobody in the world can save him from legal actions."
Congress Promises and Electoral Vision
Alongside his criticisms, Gandhi outlined key promises from the Congress manifesto, presenting what he described as "five guarantees" for Assam's development. These commitments include monthly financial assistance for women, Rs 50,000 support for women entrepreneurs, and comprehensive health insurance coverage extending up to Rs 25 lakh per family.
The party also pledged permanent land rights for approximately 10 lakh indigenous people and complete implementation of constitutional provisions specifically designed for tribal areas, addressing long-standing concerns about land security and tribal rights.
Gandhi invoked the legacy of late Assamese singer Zubeen Garg, describing him as symbolizing the state's multicultural spirit. "He reflected the spirit of the multi-cultural, multi-religious tradition of Assam. Once we come to power, we will deliver justice within 100 days, and it is 100 per cent sure," the Congress leader vowed, though he did not specify the nature of this promised justice.
Emphasizing Assam's diverse social fabric, Gandhi added "People of different ideologies, identities, religions and castes live in Assam... We want people to live like this," positioning his party as defenders of pluralism against what he implied were divisive forces.
The political stage is set for a direct contest between the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance and the Congress party, with Assam's 126-member Assembly scheduled for polls on April 9 and vote counting planned for May 4. These elections represent a crucial battleground in India's political landscape, with both national and regional implications.
