Rahul Gandhi addresses Congress workers ahead of first phase of polling

Congress workers have responsibility to tell people that the BJP is “destroying” the idea of India, says former party chief; adds that grassroots workers are fighting the RSS ideology in the streets and villages

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. | Photo Credit: Shashi Shekhar Kashyap

The 2024 Lok Sabha election is critical to protect the idea of India and the Constitution, fomer Congress chief Rahul Gandhi said in a video addressed to party workers on the eve of the first day of voting for 102 seats across the country. Congress workers have a huge responsibility on their shoulders as they must tell the people that the BJP is “destroying’’ the idea of India, he added.

“You are the backbone of our party. I thought that since it is election time, I should talk to you directly. This is not an ordinary election, this is an election to save the Constitution and democracy, in which babbar sher (lion-hearted) workers like you have a huge responsibility,” Mr. Gandhi said in his message.

‘Fighting RSS ideology’

“The BJP-RSS are against the idea of India. They are attacking our Constitution, the country’s democratic structure, and our institutions, including the Election Commission, as well as the legal framework of India,” Mr. Gandhi alleged.

He praised Congress workers for fighting against the ideology of the RSS on the streets, in the villages, and everywhere. “The Congress is going to defeat the BJP and its ideology,” he said.

Rahul Gandhi’s message to Congress workers

Rahul Gandhi addresses Congress party workers ahead of the first phase of the Lok Sabha elections | Video Credit: X/@INCIndia

Crowd-sourced manifesto

Noting that the Congress’ 2024 manifesto is the result of feedback received from the people, Mr. Gandhi listed the party’s guarantees: an annual dole of ₹1 lakh to one woman from every poor family, the right to apprenticeship, a legal guarantee of minimum support prices (MSP) for farmers, the elimination of contract labour, 30 lakh government jobs, abolition of the Agniveer scheme, and a solution for the problems of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) system.

“You helped us bring key ideas from the people of India into our manifesto for the 2024 Lok Sabha election. We rely on you and we love you. I send you my best wishes,” he said.

Tagging Mr. Gandhi’s video on X, Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh said, “The response coming from the grassroots level shows that Congress workers across the country are very excited about this election. The Modi government’s departure is certain, now we just wait for June 4.”

The counting of votes for the Lok Sabha elections, which will be held in seven phases from April 19 to June 1, will be taken up on June 4.