‘Double-ghulami govt’: Priyanka Gandhi calls PM ‘slave’ of US, Assam CM Himanta that of Modi | India News

New Delhi: Congress Leader Priyanka Vadra on Wednesday lashed out at the BJP-led central and state governments AssamAccused Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sharma of running a “government of dual slavery”.Addressing a rally in Nazira, Priyanka took aim at the BJP’s central campaign pitch saying that they have failed to fulfill their promises. “They talked about double engine government. Didn’t they say that in the last election? Modiji used to come and say now they will run a double engine government. But they are running a government of double slavery. Modiji has become a slave of America and the whole country is in crisis today because of his policies. And Hemant ji is Modiji’s servant. And on top of that, they want this government of double slavery to enslave the people of this beautiful and self-respecting state of Assam, keep them oppressed,” he said.Priyanka urged voters to reject what she described as politics driven by fear and self-interest. “They work for you only when they see some benefit for themselves in it. This was not the tradition of this country. Even today, we want a government in Assam that does not scare you, does not threaten you, does not fulfill its own selfishness, but serves you, works for you honestly, carries forward and strengthens your culture and your civilization,” he added.He also alleged that the BJP government in Assam was operating through intimidation and corruption, claiming that public resources were being misused. “It’s not just that a leader is improving. The biggest thing that corruption can do is take away your money. This money is meant for you to use – schools, hospitals, roads, taps – but instead it is being used to build palaces and enrich families,” he said.Targeting the state leadership, Priyanka claimed that “only one family is looting everything in Assam,” while ordinary citizens continue to struggle. He also accused the BJP of failing to fulfill key promises, including increasing the wages of tea plantation workers and granting Scheduled Tribe status to several communities. “Various tribal communities have been demanding ST status for many years. BJP had promised to give them ST status, but they have failed to give it,” he said.Raising concerns about the regime, he alleged that people were being forced to attend rallies. “Prime Minister Modi and CM Himanta are ruling the country and the state through fear and threats. Our fight is against that fear and to protect the culture and civilization of Assam,” he said.Highlighting Congress’ commitment, Priyanka outlined welfare measures if her party comes to power. “If you want such an Assam, choose a Congress government. Our first guarantee is for women, if you want to start a small job or business, you will be given Rs 50,000. Whatever scheme we bring for women, the cash will be directly transferred to women’s bank accounts,” she said.He also promised expanded healthcare support. “You will get health insurance up to Rs. 25 lakhs The government will provide free treatment up to 25 lakh rupees for any of your ailments. Our government has already shown this in Rajasthan,” he said.Priyanka also raised the issue of Assamese singer’s trial Zubin Garginsisting that it was a legitimate public concern. “The Congress government wants justice for Zubin Garg ji. In 100 days, we will get him justice as soon as our government is formed. Today, all local ‘Bhoomiputras’ have got temporary land deeds. We will give permanent jobs to 10 lakh local soil children instead of temporary jobs,” he said.Rejecting charges of politicizing the issue, he said, “I honestly don’t believe that such issues should be politicized. But I think that when there is a public demand that someone they respect and honor is not getting justice, then as politicians, isn’t it our duty to say that yes, we are trying our best to deliver justice?”Calling for political change, he urged voters to envision a “new Assam”. “Lift your head, puff your chest, and think that with a new government will come a new Assam. Your Assam, the Assam that Zubin Garg ji dreamed of, the Assam that is in your heart, the Assam that is everyone’s dream, where the future of your children is bright, where this corruption stops,” he said. Congress is anti-development: PM ModiMeanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also hit back at the Congress in his rallies in the state. Addressing a rally at Vishwanath, he accused the party of being the “root cause” of corruption in independent India. “The whole country knows that Congress is anti-development and has been the root of corruption in independent India. In Assam, Congress has done what the people know well. Congress has played with Assam’s identity, pride and security. Since independence, it has compromised Assamese identity for the sake of power and repeatedly ignored Assam’s interests,” he said.He also alleged that the Congress had encouraged illegal infiltration for political gain. “They (Congress) have compromised Assam’s ‘atma’ (soul), ‘shaan’ (pride), ‘pehchan’ (identity) and ‘suraksha’ (security),” Modi said, adding that the BJP government had taken steps to remove restrictions and protect local identity.The prime minister also reiterated the BJP’s record of governance, saying the party’s “double-engine government” ushered in development and stability. “BJP’s 10-year rule ushered in a new dawn of ‘seba’ (service) and ‘sushasan’ (good governance) in Assam,” he said.Modi also promised key policy measures, including the implementation of the Uniform Civil Code and protection of tribal rights under the Sixth Schedule, if the BJP returns to power. He also expressed confidence of winning a third consecutive term in the state.The political exchange comes as Assam heads towards a highly-scheduled assembly election, with polling for all 126 constituencies scheduled on April 9 and counting on May 4. The contest is expected to be a straight fight between the ruling BJP-led NDA and the Congress, with both parties intensifying their campaigns and sharpening their attacks in the final fight.