Union Home Minister Amit Shah took a swipe at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi questioning whether he even knows the full form of MSP while highlighting that the BJP government in Haryana is procuring 24 crops at the minimum support price.
During a poll rally in Haryana’s Rewari, Shah also attacked Congress on issues of corruption, reservations, and Article 370, claiming the party wants to reinstate it. He expressed confidence that the BJP would secure a third consecutive term in Haryana after the October 5 elections.
“Some NGO has told Rahul ‘baba’ that by saying MSP (minimum support price) he will get votes,” Shah said. “Rahul baba, do you know full form of MSP? Which crop is of Kharif, which one is of Rabi, do you know?”
He noted that the BJP government in Haryana is procuring 24 crops at MSP, challenging Congress leaders to name a Congress-ruled state that procures as many crops. “How many crops are bought at MSP in Karnataka and Telangana?” he asked.
Shah reminded Congress leader Bhupinder Singh Hooda of the previous regime’s inadequate support for farmers, stating that during Congress rule, paddy was procured at Rs 1,310 per quintal, while it is now Rs 2,300. “If you elect BJP government in Haryana, we will procure paddy at Rs 3,100,” he added. He mentioned similar increases in MSP for other crops, asserting, “When Congress was in power, they did not procure bajra.”
Continuing his assault on Congress, Shah claimed the Modi government fulfilled the long-standing demand for One Rank One Pension (OROP) and accused Congress of rampant corruption.
“Congress governments used to run on the basis of cut, commission and corruption,” he said, adding that under BJP, “there are no dealers, ‘dalals’ while there is no question of ‘damad.’”
He further criticised Congress for its stance on the army, stating, “Congress always insults Army. It is the Congress which had the audacity to call Army chief a ‘goonda.’”
Shah promised that “not even one Agniveer (who will not be absorbed in the force) will be without pensionable job,” addressing concerns about the Agniveer program.
On the issue of Article 370, he challenged Gandhi’s statements about bringing it back. “Rahul Baba I am saying from this land of (legendary Ahir leader) Rao Tula Ram that not only you, even your third generation cannot bring back Article 370,” he asserted.
He accused Congress of appeasement for votes and claimed, “It was only Modi ji who built the Ram Temple,” in response to Gandhi’s comments on the Ram Mandir issue.
Shah also referenced Gandhi’s recent remarks in the U.S., stating, “Whenever he wants to say anything ‘rubbish’… he says in America.” He accused Gandhi of suggesting the end of reservations for SC, ST, and OBC, promising, “So long as there is even one BJP MP in Parliament, reservation of Dalits and backward people cannot end.”
He further criticised the previous Congress government for its handling of reservation and jobs, asserting that “jobs have been given on merit during BJP rule.”
Shah outlined plans for development if the BJP wins, including setting up a cooperative factory for mustard oil in Rewari, a museum in memory of martyrs, and a new medical college. He also promised financial support for women and housing for the poor.
Union Minister Rao Inderjit Singh also attended the rally.
(With PTI inputs)