NEW DELHI: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Thursday sharpened his attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, claiming that US President Donald Trump “controls” him. He also called Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma the “most corrupt CM” in the country and accused him of running a “land ATM” in the state along with Modi and Union home minister Amit Shah.Addressing election rallies in Karbi Anglong and Jorhat, Rahul said, “You might ask why is Rahul Rahul speaking on US-India deal, in Assam election campaigning? You need to understand where the pressure on you is being mounted.”“Why did this deal happen? It happened because Donald Trump controls Narendra Modi,” he added.According to the Congress leader, the trade agreement opens up India’s agricultural sector to US competition, putting Indian farmers at risk. “Soybean, pulses, fruits, cotton have all been opened to American farmers by Narendra Modi. Indian farmers have small farms with fewer mechanisations… Indian farmers will get crushed and erased,” he said.“Today, if India wants to purchase oil from other countries, permission is needed from Donald Trump and America… Narendra Modi handed over India’s data to Donald Trump. They can do anything they want with that data,” Rahul added.
‘Most corrupt CM’
Rahul also mounted a direct attack on Sarma. He said, “India’s most corrupt CM is Himanta Biswa Sarma, and his family is also No. 1 in corruption. The Congress government will take action against him. Though he is boasting now, he will be completely silent after that.”He alleged that the Assam government is being run through syndicates and that land is being taken from people and handed over to corporates. “Modi, Shah and Sarma have made a land ATM in Assam. They snatch land from the people and give it to big industrialists,” Rahul asserted.“Even if the CM seeks forgiveness, the law will take its own course… Nobody in the world can save him from legal actions,” he added.
Congress promises ahead of polls
Rahul also outlined key promises from the Congress manifesto including financial support for women and healthcare benefits. Listing the party’s “five guarantees”, he said they include monthly financial assistance for women, Rs 50,000 support for women entrepreneurs, and health insurance coverage of up to Rs 25 lakh.He also promised permanent land rights for 10 lakh indigenous people and full implementation of constitutional provisions for tribal areas.Further referring to late Assamese singer Zubeen Garg, Rahul said he symbolised the spirit of the state and promised justice. “He reflected the spirit of the multi-cultural, multi-religious tradition of Assam. Once we come to power, we will deliver justice within 100 days, and it is 100 per cent sure,” the Congress leader said.“People of different ideologies, identities, religions and castes live in Assam… We want people to live like this,” he added.The 126-member Assam Assembly will go to polls on April 9, with counting scheduled for May 4, setting up a direct contest between the BJP-led NDA and the Congress.
