Telangana: Rahul Gandhi Mocks BJP's Chief Ministerial Promise, Says 'You'll Get 2 Per Cent Votes'

In a recent election campaign in Telangana, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi taunted the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) over its promise to appoint a Chief Minister from a backward caste.

Rahul Gandhi questioned the feasibility of this promise, considering BJP's projected vote share in the upcoming 30 November assembly polls.

Addressing public gatherings in Kalwakurthy, Jadcherla, and Shadnagar, Gandhi claimed that the Congress had "punctured" BJP's aspirations in Telangana.

He stated, "You will get two percent of the votes here, and how can you make a Chief Minister?" This came after Union Home Minister Amit Shah had recently announced the possibility of a backward-class leader becoming Chief Minister if BJP wins in Telangana, as reported by NDTV.

Gandhi also took a jibe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, suggesting that the PM would go to the United States and announce plans to make an OBC (Other Backward Classes) candidate President of America. He quipped, "You will neither be able to make a President in America nor a Chief Minister here (Telangana)."

Gandhi further accused the All India Majlis-e-Ittehad-ul-Muslimeen (AIMIM) of collaborating with BJP by fielding candidates wherever Congress contested against the saffron party in various state elections. He alleged that the AIMIM took money from the BJP to do so.

Promising to "puncture BJP's tires" not only in Telangana but also across India, Gandhi pledged that Congress would conduct a caste census if it came to power in Telangana and after the Lok Sabha elections next year.

Rahul Gandhi also displayed a mock 'Kaleswaram ATM' created by his party to the people, alleging that the Chief Minister had misappropriated Rs 1 lakh crore in the Kaleswaram project. He called for an inspection of the reported issues with the Medigadda barrage of the project by Telangana's Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao (KCR).

In addition, Gandhi criticized RSS and BJP for spreading hate in the country and suggested the need to open a 'mohabbat ki dukan' (store of love). He mentioned that the numerous cases filed against him by BJP were akin to medals awarded to military personnel.

Gandhi's campaign also highlighted Congress's election promises, including the 'Mahalakshmi' scheme offering Rs 2,500 to women every month, providing LPG cylinders for Rs 500, and free bus travel for women.