Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav addressed a joint rally at Gandhi statue, mini stadium in Amroha district, Uttar Pradesh on April 20. The duo campaigned for I.N.D.I.A bloc candidate Kunwar Danish Ali. Former BSP leader and sitting MP from Amroha Ali joined Congress ahead of Lok Sabha elections.
Rahul Gandhi said that the Opposition's government, if formed, will "double the monthly salary" of Anganwadi and ASHA workers after the elections.
"There are 30 lakh vacant posts in the government sector. We will give these posts to the youth after the elections," he said.
He attacked the BJP government and accused it of giving "all money of the banks" to some rich people.
"Today, 22 persons have the same money as the 70 crore population of the nation... PM Narendra Modi has given all the money of the banks to them (22 people). Where does all of this money come from?... This is your money that comes from GST... These billionaires sell Chinese products in India... Small-scale businessmen and artisans who can make 'Make In India' a reality, PM Modi brings demonetisation and GST for them..." he said.
Akhilesh Yadav addresses rally
Akhilesh Yadav took a potshot at the BJP and said that the party who earlier "gave jumla" and now "giving guarantees".
"Those who gave 'Jumla' are now giving guarantees.. These are not their guarantees but 'Ghanti'. We don't want their guarantee. We want the guarantee of Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar's Constitution. The guarantee of the Constitution will give us rights and respect. The election of 2024 is for our future as well as the coming generation's future..." he said.
SP-Congress seat-sharing
As a part of I.N.D.I.A coalition, SP gave 17 seats to Congress which has only one Lok Sabha MP from Uttar Pradesh.
The joint rally by SP and Congress comes a day after PM Modi's rally where he lambasted Gandhi and Yadav.
Film of 'do shehzade' already rejected: PM Modi
PM Modi took a veiled dig at Gandhi and Yadav on Friday, saying the shooting of the film "do shehzade ki jodi" is on but it has already been rejected by people.
"Every time these people seek votes from the people of Uttar Pradesh, they carry a basket of dynasty, corruption and appeasement. They do not leave any chance to attack our faith," PM Modi said, addressing a rally here.
In a veiled attack on Gandhi and Yadav, he said, "The shooting of the film 'do shehzade ki jodi (a pair of two princes)' is going on. But their film has already been rejected by people."
Hitting out at Danish Ali, the Congress candidate from Amroha, Modi alleged that he has objections in saying "Bharat Mata ki jai".
"Will a person, who cannot accept Bharat Mata ki jai, look good in the Indian Parliament? Should such a person be allowed entry into the Indian Parliament?" he asked the gathering.
(With agencies' inputs)
