“Rahul Gandhi’s Balaghat visit was dramatic, unserious": MP Dy CM Rajendra Shukla
Madhya Pradesh Deputy CM Rajendra Shukla calls Rahul Gandhi's Balaghat visit dramatic and unserious, accusing Congress of failing to tackle Naxalism.
Madhya Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Rajendra Shukla launched a scathing attack on Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Thursday, describing his recent visit to Balaghat as “dramatic” and “very unserious.”
The political sparring comes after Gandhi visited the district to highlight the struggles of tribal communities, alleging a total breakdown of governance in the state regarding healthcare, education, and employment opportunities.
Shukla Accuses Congress of Ignoring Naxalism
Responding to the Congress leader's claims, Deputy CM Shukla hit back by bringing up the historical security challenges of the region. He reminded the public that Balaghat was once heavily gripped by Naxalism, citing a tragic incident where Naxalites entered the home of a former Madhya Pradesh Home Minister and beheaded him.
“He forgot that he had come to Balaghat, which was completely in the grip of Naxalism,” Shukla remarked, adding that the Congress party showed a lack of sensitivity toward eliminating the menace during its time in power.
The Deputy CM further alleged that the Congress-led UPA government, which ruled from 2004 to 2014, failed to curb the spread of the "Red Corridor," which he claimed expanded from Nepal to Tirupati during that decade. He stated that many people in these sensitive areas view the Congress with apprehension due to this perceived failure in national security.
Countering Allegations of Tribal Neglect
While Rahul Gandhi characterized the situation in Madhya Pradesh as a “100 per cent government failure,” Shukla dismissed these accusations as baseless attempts to gain political leverage. The Deputy CM argued that the Congress makes allegations simply for the sake of making them in hopes of returning to power.
To counter the claims of government absence in tribal areas, Shukla highlighted several major welfare initiatives currently being implemented by the BJP government:
- PM-JANMAN: A scheme with an allocation of ₹24,000 crore aimed at tribal welfare.
- Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan: Focused on rural development in tribal regions.
- Aahar Anudan Yojana: Providing assistance to Baiga, Sahariya, and Bhariya communities, where women receive ₹1,500 per family, similar to the Ladli Behna scheme.
- Mobile Medical Units: Deployed specifically to serve remote tribal areas.
The Context of the Visit
Rahul Gandhi’s visit to Balaghat follows troubling reports of more than 30 deaths among tribal children in the district's tribal-dominated areas. While official assessments regarding the exact cause and number of deaths have been evolving, a Centre-led investigation has pointed toward various health conditions, including measles, malaria, and respiratory issues.
Gandhi has vowed to take these grievances to the national stage, stating, “I will raise this issue in the Lok Sabha. I will raise in the Lok Sabha not just their case, but the issue of what is being done to all the tribals across the country.”