Rahul Gandhi slams govt's proposal to farmers

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi slammed the Central government's proposal to farmers and questioned why the government is fortifying Delhi.

New Delhi: New Delhi: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, on Wednesday, took a swipe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP-led Central Government over various issues including the farmers' agitation, China's intrusion and economic slowdown, saying that the country is "lacking" leadership. He also asserted that the farmers won't back down and the Central Government will have to take back it's three contentious farm laws.

Addressing a press conference, Rahul Gandhi said, "The conditions we are going through are dangerous for the country. It requires that PM take immediate actions whether it is about farm laws or giving reply to China. He should do his job. This Country is lacking leadership. There is just talk. There is no understanding, no strategy."

He attacked the Central Government, saying that India's reputation has taken a massive hit. "Out soft power has been shattered by the BJP-RSS," he replied to a question regarding the handling of farmer's agitation at Delhi's borders.

Gandhi criticized the Central Government for creating obstacles on the route of farmers by cementing nails and iron rods, putting barricades at the Delhi borders. He said, "Why is Delhi converted into a fortress? Why are we threatening our farmers? Why is the Government not resolving their problems? It is not good for the peace and harmony of the country."

However, he refused to comment on the tweet of singer Rihana saying that it's an internal matter of the country.

Slamming the Government over the Union Budget 2021-22, the Congress leader alleged that it has been planned just to give benefit to a few businessmen. "I was hoping that the Budget will be for 99 per cent of the people of India. But it is just for those 1 per cent people to whom this Government wants to provide benefits," he said.

On the allocation to the Defense sector, Rahul said, "You raised Defense expenditure by Rs 3000-4000 crore. What message did you give to China? That you can enter our land and do whatever you want as we don't support our armed forces?"

Gandhi also asserted that the Government needs to give money in the hands of people for the recovery of the Indian economy. He said that privatization can only benefit industrialists but for economic recovery, the Government needs to strengthen MSMEs and for that, it should focus on consumption rather than supply.