26th September 2023,Mumbai: The political landscape in Chhattisgarh has heated up as Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) spokesperson Sambit Patra launched a scathing attack on the congress party, accusing it of having close ties with Naxalites in the state. With Chhattisgarh gearing up for polls later this year, these allegations add another layer of complexity to the already contentious political atmosphere.
Congress Hindering Central Schemes
Patra didn’t mince words when he accused the Congress of obstructing Central government schemes in Chhattisgarh. He asserted that the Congress had stood firmly against the anti-conversion law and had ultimately betrayed the trust of the people of Chhattisgarh. This accusation sets the stage for a fierce political battle in the state.
Scams and Lawlessness under Congress Rule
The BJP spokesperson also launched an attack on the Bhupesh Baghel-led Congress government in Chhattisgarh, claiming that scams worth crores had occurred under their watch. Patra specifically pointed to the mining mafia and criminals allegedly enjoying impunity under the Congress government. Additionally, he questioned the utilization of COVID-related funds, highlighting the lack of action in several rape cases that have taken place in the state. These allegations raise serious concerns about the governance and accountability of the ruling party.
Rahul Gandhi and the Missing COVID Cess
Sambit Patra turned his attention to Congress MP Rahul Gandhi, questioning the whereabouts of funds collected during the COVID-19 pandemic. The BJP leader asked, “Where is the cess collected during the COVID?” This inquiry resonates with the public’s demand for transparency and accountability regarding the allocation of resources during a crisis. Patra’s query also underscores the potential mismanagement of funds by the Congress government.
Mining Mafia and Crime Rampant
Highlighting the alleged rampant activities of the mining mafia and criminals, Patra criticized the Congress government for allowing these issues to persist without taking decisive action. This accusation could prove detrimental to the Congress’s image as it raises questions about their commitment to law and order in the state.
Farmers Deprived of PM Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana Benefits
In a final blow to the Congress party, Sambit Patra accused them of depriving lakhs of farmers in Chhattisgarh of the benefits under the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana. This scheme, designed to provide financial support to farmers, has been a focal point of the BJP’s agricultural policies. Patra’s statement underscores the BJP’s commitment to farmers and positions the Congress as obstructing the welfare of agricultural communities.
The ‘Remote Control’ Jibe by Rahul Gandhi
In response to these accusations, Congress MP Rahul Gandhi had launched a ‘remote control’ jibe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit to Chhattisgarh. Rahul Gandhi alleged that the BJP operates secretly through this metaphorical remote control, affecting major policy decisions. This narrative attempts to shift the blame and highlight alleged crony capitalism in the government’s dealings.
Chhattisgarh’s Upcoming Electoral Battle
As Chhattisgarh, along with Madhya Pradesh, Telangana, Rajasthan, and Mizoram, prepares for upcoming elections, the political discourse has intensified. The Congress and BJP are engaged in a fierce battle, with each side levelling serious allegations against the other. These elections will not only determine the future leadership of these states but also have broader implications for national politics.
In the midst of these allegations and counter-allegations, Chhattisgarh’s voters find themselves at a critical juncture, facing decisions that could shape the state’s trajectory for years to come. As the political drama unfolds, it remains to be seen how the electorate evaluates these claims and ultimately casts their votes in the upcoming polls. The stakes are high, and the political future of Chhattisgarh hangs in the balance.
-by Kashvi Gala