Targeting the Union Budget
During the debate on the Union Budget 2024-25 in the Lok Sabha, Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi launched a scathing attack on the Modi government. He focused on several contentious issues, including the plight of farmers and the Agniveer scheme. Gandhi employed the metaphor of ‘chakrav Rahul Gandhi Criticizes Modi Government: Calls Out Atmosphere of Fear and Monopoly
Targeting the Union Budget
During the debate on the Union Budget 2024-25 in the Lok Sabha, Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi launched a scathing attack on the Modi government. He focused on several contentious issues, including the plight of farmers and the Agniveer scheme. Gandhi employed the metaphor of ‘chakravyuh,’ a deadly maze from the Mahabharata, to symbolize the pervasive atmosphere of fear in the country. He claimed the budget was designed to bolster monopoly capital, political monopoly, and the deep state.
The ‘Chakravyuh’ Metaphor
Gandhi’s central theme was the ‘chakravyuh’ of fear trapping everyone, including BJP MPs, farmers, and workers. He drew a parallel to the ancient Mahabharata story where Abhimanyu was killed in a multi-tiered formation. Gandhi likened this ‘chakravyuh’ to the current political and economic situation, emphasizing that the lotus shape of the formation symbolizes the BJP.
“In the 21st century, another ‘chakravyuh’ has been prepared. It is in the form of a lotus, and the prime minister wears the symbol on his chest,” he said. Gandhi asserted that this new ‘chakravyuh’ entrapped youth, women, farmers, and MSMEs.
Advocating for a Caste Census
Gandhi advocated for a caste-based census as a means to break the ‘chakravyuh.’ He asserted that conducting such a census would help dismantle the cycle of fear and control perpetuated by the current government. Gandhi criticized the budget for failing to address the needs of farmers, laborers, and small and medium businesses. Instead, he claimed it reinforced monopoly business, political monopoly, and the deep state, citing demonetization and tax terrorism as tools used to destroy small and medium enterprises.
Farmers and the Middle Class
Addressing the concerns of farmers, Gandhi promised that the I.N.D.I.A bloc would ensure legal guarantees for Minimum Support Price (MSP). He accused the government of betraying the middle class, who had previously supported PM Modi, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic.
“We will pass a bill for guaranteed legal MSP in this House. The middle class supported PM Modi and banged ‘thalis’ during Covid. Now, with this budget, you have stabbed them in the back and chest,” Gandhi stated.
Monopoly Over Infrastructure
Gandhi also highlighted the growing concentration of wealth and power in the hands of a few individuals controlling India’s infrastructure and business sectors. He pointed out that these individuals have monopolies over airports, telecom systems, ports, and are now venturing into railways, thereby controlling the country’s wealth.
The Agniveer Controversy
Gandhi criticized the Agniveer scheme, alleging that it trapped the youth without adequate provisions for their future, such as pensions. He highlighted the lack of compensation for Agniveers, citing the death of an Agniveer in a landmine explosion in Jammu and Kashmir. In response, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh accused Gandhi of misleading the nation on the Agniveer issue. Singh offered to provide a detailed statement on national security and the Agniveer scheme whenever required by the Speaker.
“The issue of national security is sensitive. Efforts are being made to mislead the country. I am ready to give my statement on the issue of Agniveers before the House,” Singh affirmed.
Rahul Gandhi’s speech in the Lok Sabha was a fierce critique of the Modi government, accusing it of creating a climate of fear and strengthening monopolies. His use of the ‘chakravyuh’ metaphor underscored his message of pervasive entrapment and control, as he called for significant policy changes, including a caste census and legal MSP for farmers.
(With inputs from agencies)
