TFP Bureau, Raipur, May 4, 2024: All India Congress Committee spokesperson Alok Sharma addressed a press conference at the state Congress headquarters in Raipur, highlighting the ongoing Lok Sabha elections in Chhattisgarh and criticizing the BJP’s track record in the state.
Sharma began by remarking on the cancellation of tickets for seven out of nine BJP MPs in Chhattisgarh, suggesting that this move reflected an acknowledgment of defeat by the BJP due to its MPs’ lack of parliamentary engagement. He accused the BJP of failing to fulfill promises made during the December elections, specifically citing unmet commitments on Minimum Support Price (MSP).
The spokesperson continued by raising concerns about rising Naxalism during the BJP’s 15-year tenure, pointing to an increase in incidents affecting both BJP leaders and the general public. Sharma demanded an investigation into the uptick in Naxalite activities and criticized the BJP for neglecting security and development in the state.
Turning to economic issues, Sharma accused the BJP of harming farmers through policies such as imposing GST on agricultural equipment. He highlighted the steep rise in tomato seed prices from Rs. 20-22 thousand per kilo to Rs. 1.5 lakh, illustrating the financial strain on farmers.
Sharma also drew attention to the BJP’s unfulfilled promise of doubling farmers’ incomes by 2022, contrasting the reality of reduced farmer incomes and increased debt per farmer. He accused BJP MPs of neglecting Chhattisgarh’s interests by failing to advocate for the state’s financial share in the Lok Sabha.
The Congress spokesperson criticized Modi’s leadership, alleging that the BJP was misleading the public with false promises and slogans. Sharma referenced Congress’s pledge to provide Rs. 1 lakh annually to women and create 30 lakh job opportunities for youth, contrasting these with what he termed BJP’s failed governance in Chhattisgarh.
Sharma concluded by condemning the BJP’s remote-controlled governance and expressing dissatisfaction with the Election Commission’s response to complaints against BJP leaders. He criticized the security of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) under the Modi administration.
The press conference underscored Congress’s sharp critique of BJP’s governance in Chhattisgarh amidst the fervor of ongoing Lok Sabha elections, setting the stage for intensified political discourse in the state.
