Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Thursday alleged that five lakh jobs from Maharashtra have been snatched as various big projects have been shifted to other states.
“Our government will not allow this. Projects meant for Maharashtra will remain here while those meant for Gujarat will stay there,’ he said.
Addressing a rally in Nandurbar, the former Congress chief said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi feels the “red book” of the Constitution he carries is blank because he has never read it.
“The BJP has objections to the red colour of the book (which Gandhi has been displaying in rallies). But for us, irrespective of the colour, we are committed to preserve it (Constitution) and ready to give up our lives too. Modi ji feels the Constitution (book) is blank because he has never read it,” he said.
Gandhi said the Constitution represents the soul of India, embodying the principles of national icons such as Birsa Munda, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, and Mahatma Gandhi.
Gandhi emphasised that Congress wants greater representation for adivasis, Dalits, and backward classes in decision-making. He accused the BJP of insulting national icons and tribals by referring to them as “vanvasi” instead of “adivasi.”
“Adivasis are the first owners of this country and have the first right to water, forest, and land. But the BJP wants them to remain in the jungle without any rights. Birsa Munda fought for this and gave his life,” Gandhi said.
Gandhi also criticised the BJP’s attacks on his “red book,” alleging they were an attempt to link it to “urban Naxalism.”
Highlighting the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) manifesto, he promised Rs 3,000 monthly assistance and free bus travel for women, farm loan waivers up to Rs 3 lakh, and Rs 4,000 per month for unemployed youth. He reiterated the call for a caste census, claiming it would provide a clearer picture of the share adivasis, Dalits, and backward classes have in Maharashtra’s resources.
He added that the 50 per cent reservation cap will be scrapped.
The Maharashtra elections will be held in a single phase on November 20 and results will be announced on November 23.