WebDesk X
29 January 2024
Sandeep Dhand ( Ludhiana)
In a significant address during the ongoing ‘Bharat Joko Nyaya Yatra’ in North Bengal, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi urged the people of Bengal to take the lead in the fight against growing injustice in the country. The call comes amidst a strained alliance in ‘India’ over seat distribution for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections in Bengal.
While not explicitly naming any political party, Gandhi’s remarks resonated with the state’s history, highlighting Bengal’s special status and its pivotal role in the freedom struggle. He emphasized the duty of Bengal and Bengalis to combat injustice, promote unity, and eradicate hatred in the current national context.
Expressing gratitude for the warm welcome in West Bengal, Rahul Gandhi asserted, “If you don’t rise even on such occasions, people will never forgive you. It is not about any particular person but about Bengal.”
The response from political quarters was swift and nuanced. Trinamool Congress spokesperson Shantanu Sen acknowledged Bengal’s historical significance in major movements, particularly in the 2021 state assembly elections where Mamata Banerjee played a crucial role in thwarting BJP’s momentum. However, Sen pointed out the compromise made by Bengal Congress leadership with the saffron camp in the state.
In a separate development, Rahul Gandhi extended congratulations to Chief Minister of Telangana, A. Revanth Reddy, for announcing a caste census, terming it the ‘first step towards justice.’ Gandhi emphasized the importance of a caste-based census, stating that understanding the social and economic health of society is crucial for effective developmental planning.
Gandhi asserted, “Caste census is the first step of justice because without knowing the social and economic health of any society, it is impossible to make proper plans for it.” He advocated for the caste census as a means to ensure fair participation of every section of society in the country’s development.
As political dynamics continue to evolve, the focus remains on Bengal, with leaders grappling for influence and alliances, setting the stage for a crucial political battleground in the upcoming elections