Jharkhand Assembly Elections 2024: Rahul Gandhi Shows Constitution in Simdega, Jharkhand Election Rally, Says BJP Wants to Abolish It

Simdega, November 08, 2024: In a powerful address during an election rally in Simdega, Jharkhand, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi raised concerns over the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) intentions regarding the Indian Constitution. Rahul Gandhi, who is the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, displayed a copy of the Constitution during his speech, alleging that the BJP is attempting to dismantle it. He emphasized that the Constitution, a document deeply rooted in the values of Dalits, tribals and marginalized communities, was under threat.

Rahul Gandhi’s Remarks on Tribal Rights

During the rally, Rahul Gandhi also spoke about the rights of tribal communities in India, particularly in Jharkhand. He asserted that tribals have the first right over natural resources, such as water, land and forests. Rahul Gandhi criticized the BJP for referring to tribals as “vanvasis” (forest dwellers) and attempting to strip them of their fundamental rights. He said, “Our commitment is that we will not allow this to happen. The first right to water, land and forests belongs to the tribals.”

BJP’s Alleged Plan to Destroy the Constitution

Rahul Gandhi also highlighted what he perceived as the BJP’s agenda to dismantle the foundational principles laid out by key figures such as Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, Mahatma Gandhi and tribal leaders like Birsa Munda. The Congress leader argued that the Constitution embodies the thoughts of these great leaders and protects the rights of Dalits, tribals, farmers, and the working class. Rahul Gandhi criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi for allegedly wanting to remove these protections. “The Constitution represents the vision of our freedom fighters, and it protects the vulnerable sections of society,” he said.

Bureaucratic Representation and the Need for Change

In his speech, Rahul Gandhi also raised concerns about the underrepresentation of tribals in the country’s top bureaucracy. He pointed out that tribals make up about 8% of India’s population but hold minimal positions in the country’s administration. Rahul Gandhi argued that this lack of representation denies tribals the opportunity to influence decisions related to governance and budgeting. He suggested that the country’s bureaucracy should better reflect the demographics of India, with more tribals, Dalits and backward communities involved in critical decision-making processes.

Campaign Promises for Jharkhand

Rahul Gandhi outlined several promises for the people of Jharkhand should Congress come to power. He committed to increasing financial support for women, ensuring that every woman in Jharkhand would receive a monthly payment of ₹2,500. The Congress leader also promised an enhanced health insurance scheme, providing ₹15 lakh coverage per family. Additionally, Rahul Gandhi pledged to raise the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for rice to ₹3,200 per quintal, which would significantly benefit farmers in the region.

Support for the Marginalized and Backward Communities

Focusing on Congress’ inclusive approach, Rahul Gandhi reiterated his party’s commitment to empowering marginalized communities. He emphasized that Congress would work toward raising reservations for Dalits, tribals and backward classes, which he believed would create a more equitable society. Gandhi also emphasized the need for caste-based enumeration, calling for a caste census to understand the true demographic composition of the country and ensure that policies are designed to address the needs of underrepresented communities.

Throughout the rally, Rahul Gandhi portrayed the Congress party as a champion of social justice, aiming to empower the people of Jharkhand and protect their rights. His remarks resonated with the tribal and marginalized communities, who form a significant portion of Jharkhand’s electorate.

By focusing on issues like tribal rights, bureaucratic representation, and financial support for women and farmers, Rahul Gandhi sought to position the Congress party as the true protector of the Constitution and the rights of the people.