Height of Decline: Shivraj Singh Chouhan Slams Congress Nov 1 Rally
Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan calls the Congress's planned Nov 1 rally the height of its decline, citing disruption during Diwali.
Union Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has launched a blistering attack on the Congress party, describing its planned November 1 protest in Delhi as the Shivraj Singh Chouhan Congress rally controversy that marks the "height of the party's decline." Speaking to the media on Tuesday, Chouhan accused the opposition of disregarding public sentiment and crossing the limits of decorum in an attempt to regain power.
Diwali Disruptions and Trader Concerns
A primary point of contention for the Union Minister is the timing of the protest. Chouhan highlighted that the demonstration is scheduled during the Diwali season, a period of immense importance for the business community. He claimed that traders have specifically urged the Congress not to disrupt commercial activities during the festivities.
"Congress cares neither for the country nor its people. Traders are saying that it is the Diwali season and that they should be allowed to conduct their business and celebrate the festival. But the Congress is behaving like a stubborn child," Chouhan remarked, questioning why the concerns of the trading community are being ignored.
Allegations of Constitutional Disregard
Beyond the timing of the rally, Chouhan alleged that the Congress party has lost touch with the people of India. He accused the party of attempting to foster an atmosphere of disorder and claimed they are disregarding the Constitution. The Minister also touched upon an internal incident involving a Congress worker, suggesting that the party's own members had misunderstood the remarks made by their colleague.
Congress Hits Back: Claims of Government Pressure
The political battle intensified as All India Congress Committee (AICC) General Secretary (Organisation) KC Venugopal countered with scathing allegations against the central government. Venugopal targeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, accusing them of using the Delhi Police to thwart the opposition's planned "public impeachment" protest.
The protest is aimed at Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar over alleged irregularities regarding the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. Venugopal revealed a frustrating sequence of events:
- The Congress had secured official approval for the Ramlila Maidan from October 25 to November 3.
- Despite this approval, police intervention reportedly halted ground preparation work over the weekend.
- Venugopal asserted that this action was not a routine administrative decision but a direct order from the highest levels of the Union Government.
A Festive Boost for Farmers
Amidst the political sparring, Shivraj Singh Chouhan shifted focus to the agricultural sector, extending Diwali greetings to farmers across the nation. He announced a significant financial boost for the farming community under the PM-Kisan scheme.
According to the Minister, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will release over Rs 18,690 crore on October 30 from Banaskantha, Gujarat. These funds will be transferred directly into the bank accounts of farmers, providing them with the necessary capital to purchase seeds, fertilisers, and other essential inputs just in time for the festival season.