Rahul Gandhi claims Modi has ‘memory loss’ like US Prez Joe Biden, targets him on governance, farmers & corporate influence

Nagpur/Chandrapur: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Saturday launched a blistering attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, accusing him of memory lapses and favouring corporate elites over ordinary citizens during his fiery address at Amravati’s Dhamangaon Railway.

Drawing parallels with US President Joe Biden’s infamous verbal gaffes, the 54-year-old Gandhi scion claimed Modi was “forgetting his own narrative” while doubling down on anti-Congress rhetoric. He recalled an incident where Biden mistakenly introduced Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy as Russian President Vladimir Putin at an event. He also mentioned an incident where his sister noted that Modi’s speech was similar to what Congress says, claiming the PM was struck by amnesia.

Modi’s Memory and Constitution Attack

Gandhi asserted that Modi, 74, was now appropriating Congress’ critique of his administration, reversing allegations previously made against the opposition. “In his speeches, the PM accuses Congress of attacking the Constitution — a claim we’ve been making against him for years,” he quipped. “Next, he might promise ?7,000 MSP for soybean farmers, echoing our commitment.”

Reiterating his party’s pro-reservation stand, Gandhi dismissed Modi’s criticism of the Congress-led INDI bloc’s plans to revisit the reservation ceiling of 50%. “I told him in Parliament about my stand on reservation. Yet, he keeps repeating baseless accusations that I oppose reservation,” he remarked.

Promises of Pro-People Reforms

Gandhi unveiled key welfare measures to counter BJP’s policies, including ?7,000 MSP for soybean farmers, ?3,000 monthly aid for women under the Mahalaxmi scheme, free bus services for women, and healthcare coverage up to ?25 lakh for underprivileged families. “Our fight is to protect the Constitution and ensure justice for every Indian, not just a handful of billionaires,” Gandhi asserted.

“Chori Ki Sarkar” and Allegations of Govt Theft

In his sharpest critique, Gandhi alleged the MVA govt was toppled to facilitate the transfer of prime Dharavi land, worth ?1 lakh crore, to industrialist Gautam Adani. “Why don’t they allocate land in Colaba where the wealthy live? Maharashtra’s govt was stolen for the benefit of Modi’s billionaire friends,” he declared. He labelled the ruling Mahayuti coalition a “Chori Ki Sarkar” (stolen govt), urging voters to reclaim their mandate.

Corporate Favouritism and Economic Inequality

Turning his ire toward economic policies, Gandhi accused BJP of enabling crony capitalism while stifling small businesses and farmers. He labelled initiatives like demonetisation and GST as “weapons of destruction” aimed at the poor and small entrepreneurs. “Modi’s govt is for billionaires, not for the youth, the workers, or the farmers. Every decision benefits industrialists like Adani and Ambani,” he charged. He proposed greater parity in debt waivers, arguing, “If ?16 lakh crore in corporate loans can be written off, why not provide the same relief to farmers, Dalits, and the poor?”

Critique of Media Bias

On the occasion of Journalists’ Day, Gandhi lambasted mainstream media for prioritising frivolous stories over farmer struggles and systemic inequalities. “From Ambani’s extravagant ?10 crore watch to cricket matches and Modi, the media shows everything for 24 hours, but struggles of farmers, workers, and the poor. You see all leading media anchors tied up with Adani and Ambani, none of them are from Dalit, tribal, and OBC communities. They attack me relentlessly to defame me. But I stand firm because I fight for the poor and the marginalised,” he declared, questioning the lack of representation for opposition leaders in media narratives.

Caste Census and Economic Inequality

Highlighting BJP’s resistance to a nationwide caste census, Gandhi accused the govt of obscuring the socio-economic realities of Dalits, OBCs, and Tribals. “Without a caste census, how can we ensure equitable resource distribution? If elected, we will conduct a caste census in Maharashtra and fight for rights of marginalised communities,” he promised. He also criticised the dominance of upper castes in decision-making roles. “India’s budget is shaped by 90 IAS officers, most of whom hail from privileged backgrounds. This disparity needs correction through representation and accountability,” he said.

A Call for Change

Addressing rallies in Amravati and Chandrapur, Gandhi urged voters to choose the Congress and MVA for a fairer and more inclusive Maharashtra. “This election isn’t just about a govt—it’s about reclaiming our rights, dignity, and future. Adani doesn’t work in the field like a farmer. He should work in fields for six months and you will see he needs to be hospitalised. We want justice and equality for all. The PM should start working for the crores of people who elected him and not for a few billionaires. Our fight is for protecting the Constitution and ensuring MSP for farmers,” he concluded amidst resounding applause.

BOX BOX — Rahul Gandhi’s bag checked, Congress leader raises questions

Electoral authorities earlier scrutinised Gandhi’s bag at Dhamangaon Railway. His bag underwent inspection after his helicopter landed at the helipad. Congress’ Teosa MLA Yashomati Thakur challenged the electoral authorities’ actions and enquired why they weren’t examining bags belonging to Modi, Shah or Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.

The inspection of leaders’ bags, a standard practice by electoral authorities to implement the model code of conduct, gained prominence in the state’s election campaign after Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Uddhav Thackeray underwent similar scrutiny in Yavatmal. Subsequently, footage emerged showing bags of Shah, Shinde, Fadnavis, Ajit Pawar and others being examined by electoral authorities.

Courtesy : TOI

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