Rahul Gandhi pledges monthly allowance, job creation, and tribal rights in Jharkhand

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, in an election rally in Baghamara, Jharkhand, promised a slew of initiatives aimed at empowering women, tribals, and the marginalized communities of the state if the INDIA bloc wins the upcoming elections. He reiterated his promise of a “khata-khat” (instant) transfer of Rs 2,500 per month to women as part of a series of welfare measures. Gandhi also emphasized the need to restore the pride of tribals and announced plans to lift the 50 percent cap on caste-based reservations in the state.

Gandhi criticized the BJP for allegedly neglecting tribals and for working in favor of businessmen, while ignoring the problems of farmers, workers, and laborers. He pointed to rising joblessness and inflation as the two key issues affecting women and youths in Jharkhand, accusing the BJP government of burdening the common people with a flawed GST system. Gandhi described GST as a tax system that “fleeces the poor,” claiming that it taxes both the rich and the poor at the same rate.

The Congress leader strongly asserted that the INDIA bloc was the true ally of the poor, while accusing Prime Minister Narendra Modi of being more interested in hobnobbing with business tycoons than addressing the issues faced by Dalits, farmers, OBCs, and tribals. He promised to restore the “Jal, Jungle, Jamin” (water, forest, land) rights of tribals, criticizing the BJP for allegedly denying them their rightful access to natural resources.

Gandhi also assured voters that the INDIA bloc government would conduct a caste census during the tenure of the current Lok Sabha and work toward removing the 50 percent cap on caste-based reservations. He described the caste census as essential for social justice, ensuring that marginalized communities have fair participation in decision-making processes in the country. Gandhi cited the lack of representation of marginalized groups in crucial decision-making positions, highlighting that out of 90 officials responsible for making the country’s budget, only a small percentage were from the tribal, Dalit, and OBC communities.

In addition to these promises, Gandhi outlined several other welfare measures for Jharkhand, including a Rs 2,500 monthly financial assistance for women, an increase in the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for paddy from Rs 2,400 per quintal to Rs 3,200 per quintal, and 200 units of free electricity for households. He also promised affordable cooking gas cylinders at Rs 450 each, along with seven kg of ration per person each month.

Gandhi announced plans to create 10 lakh new jobs for the youth of Jharkhand, alongside the establishment of degree colleges in every block and professional colleges in each district of the state. He also promised the development of a 500-acre industrial park to provide employment and economic growth.

“We have made up our mind to enrich the marginalized people with as much money as the BJP gives to businessmen,” Gandhi said, reiterating his commitment to social justice and economic equality.

Gandhi said that the INDIA bloc government would focus on restoring prosperity to the poor, workers, farmers, and small shopkeepers.

Voting in Jharkhand will be held in two phases, on November 12 and November 20, to elect a new 81-member Assembly, with results to be declared on November 23.

With IANS inputs