New Delhi: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday alleged that the BJP will scrap the Constitution if it returns to power at the Centre for the third term. The former Congress president also raised the issue of the drug problem in Punjab and said it is increasing. He stressed that strict action is needed to end the menace.
Addressing a poll rally in Punjab’s Ludhiana, Mr Gandhi said the 2024 Lok Sabha polls are for saving the Constitution.
Taking on the BJP government at the Centre, Mr Gandhi said, “For the first time, any party and their leaders have said that they will change and scrap the Constitution if they win the elections.”
Holding a copy of the Constitution, the Congress leader said it is not only a book but the voice of the poor. “Be it reservation in the public sector or the rights of the poor, whatever you get, it is from the Constitution. But the BJP wants to finish the Constitution,” alleged Mr Gandhi.
Attacking Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Mr Gandhi said he “lied” about giving two crore jobs every year. The Modi government has “finished” small traders and small-medium businesses with demonetisation and the goods and services tax.
At the rally, Mr Gandhi highlighted his party’s poll promises, including the Mahalakshmi scheme, loan waivers for farmers and ensuring a legal guarantee on the minimum support price.
Mr Gandhi also raked up the issue of the persisting drug menace in Punjab. He said: “The drug issue in Punjab exists even today and it is increasing. Strict action should be taken against it. Punjab should fight against drugs with full authority and aggression.”
On Tuesday, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge in Amritsar had said the drug problem has become the biggest challenge for the future of Punjab.
“Because of this, the law and order situation is deteriorating day by day. After selling land, farmers are sending their children abroad so that they will not fall prey to drugs. Each one is forced to migrate as employment opportunities are not available,” the Congress president said.
Interestingly, the state is ruled by the Congress’ INDIA bloc ally, the AAP. The Congress and the AAP, both constituents of the INDIA bloc, are fighting the Lok Sabha polls separately in Punjab.
