In a stirring address at a public gathering in Naraingarh, Haryana, on Monday, Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi rallied support for Congress ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections, underscoring the dual need for respect and financial stability among the populace.
Rahul emphasized the importance of respect, a recurring theme in speeches he heard throughout the day, but he stressed that financial stability is equally vital.
He remarked, “I listened to everyone’s speeches, and there was one common theme ‘respect’. Respect is crucial for everyone. But equally important is how much money people have and how much is being taken away from them.”
He sharply criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi, stating, “If Modi ji is giving you respect but emptying your pockets at the same time, respect alone won’t sustain you, and people will starve. So, for me, it’s equally important to ensure that people are not financially draining.”
Rahul Shares Harrowing Account Of Haryana Youth’s Risky Journey To The US
Rahul recounted a personal experience from his recent trip to the United States, where he met a group of 20 young men from Haryana living in a cramped room.
“I asked them why they left Haryana and what was lacking there. They replied, ‘Rahul ji, we didn’t just leave; we risked our lives to get here. We travelled through Turkey, Panama, and dangerous sea routes. Our boat sank, and our friends died in front of us’,” Rahul shared, revealing that the youth even showed him video footage of their treacherous journey.
The Leader of Opposition further highlighted the emotional toll on these young men, many of whom will not be able to see their families for a decade, as returning to India would jeopardize their chances of returning to the US.
“I asked them how much money they spent to reach the US, and they told me it cost them Rs 50 lakhs, which they managed by selling their land and taking loans from local moneylenders at a steep interest rate of 2 per cent per month. I wondered, where did all that money go? Into whose hands?” Rahul reflected, noting his visits to the families of these individuals to better understand their struggles.
Priyanka Gandhi Calls For Voter Support To Oust BJP
Alongside Rahul, Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra also addressed the gathering, calling on voters to remove the BJP government, which she claimed has ‘disrespected’ them in numerous ways.
She stated, “The farmers, soldiers, and athletes of this land have always honoured and protected the country. Your children have defended the nation at the borders and upheld its dignity.”
“What has the BJP given in return for the protection you’ve provided to the nation? They have only disrespected you on every front,” Priyanka further added.
Together, Rahul and Priyanka painted a vivid picture of the economic and social challenges faced by Haryana’s citizens, urging them to rally behind Congress for a better future.
Also Read: Priyanka Gandhi Vadra Calls For Change At Naraingarh Rally; Urges Voters To Oust BJP
