Vote to protect rights, strengthen Constitution: Rahul Gandhi to Jharkhand voters
New Delhi (PTI): Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday urged the voters of Jharkhand to vote to strengthen the Constitution and democracy, and said every vote for the INDIA bloc will bring prosperity in their life through seven guarantees.
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge urged people to vote to strengthen democracy and said they must think about forming a government that ensures the participation of all and not one that "divides, misleads and polarizes".
Their remarks came as polling began for 43 Assembly seats in Jharkhand, Wayanad Lok Sabha by-election and bypolls in 31 Assembly constituencies in 10 states.
"Brothers and sisters of Jharkhand, today the first phase of voting is taking place in your state. I appeal to all the voters to cast your vote to protect your rights and strengthen the constitution and democracy," Gandhi said in a post in Hindi on X.
"Your every vote for INDIA will bring prosperity in your life through 7 guarantees, will protect 'jal-jungle-zameen (water, forest and land) and will strengthen social justice," the former Congress chief said and urged people to vote for the INDIA bloc.
In his post in Hindi on X, Kharge said all voters are requested to cast their valuable votes to strengthen democracy and the Constitution.
"The people of Jharkhand have to vote for social justice for all, inclusive development and good governance as well as for the protection of 'jal, jungle, zameen (water, forests, land) and tribal civilisation, and to keep divisive forces away from the state," the Congress president said.
"Before pressing the button on the EVM, you have to think that we have to form a government that ensures the involvement and participation of the people, not a government that divides, misleads and polarises the people, only then will we be able to save the values of the Constitution," Kharge said.
"We welcome and congratulate our friends who are voting for the first time. Exercise your rights thoughtfully. Definitely vote and inspire others too," he said.
In a post in Hindi on X, Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra said, "My dear brothers and sisters of Jharkhand, today is the day to use the rights given to you by the Constitution and elect a welfare government for yourself."
"For the respect of the tribals, for the self-respect of Jharkhand and for the protection of your water-forest-land, participate enthusiastically in this great festival of democracy, vote in large numbers and make INDIA victorious," she said.
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Karnataka Muslim Convention to be held in Bengaluru on May 16
Muslim organisations to release report on Congress govt’s three-year performance
Bengaluru: Major Muslim organisations and federations in Karnataka have decided to organise a large public convention titled ‘Karnataka Muslim Convention’ at Town Hall in Bengaluru on May 16. During the convention, a comprehensive report reviewing the three-year performance of the Congress government under the theme “What did the Congress government promise? What did it do? What next?” will be released.
According to a statement issued on Friday, no politicians will be invited to the convention. The report will be submitted to the government and all MLAs after the event.
The convention is being held at a time when the Congress government is nearing the completion of three years in office on May 20. Muslim organisations have expressed dissatisfaction, alleging that despite extending strong support to the Congress in bringing it to power, the community is being neglected.
The Convention is being organised at time when there are concerns over inadequate political representation for Muslims, alleged neglect of community demands, and the suspension of senior Muslim leaders who had worked for the party for decades.
The organisers said the convention aims to raise questions on what the Congress government has delivered so far and what further steps are expected from the government.
The decision to hold the convention was taken during a meeting held on May 6 at A J International Hotel in Shivajinagar, Bengaluru. Representatives of major Muslim organisations, associations, ulema bodies, federations, and members of the ad hoc committee of Karnataka Rajya Muslim Okkoota attended the meeting.
More than 75 representatives and delegates, including senior ulemas, jamaat leaders, lawyers, retired officials, journalists and members of the KRMO ad hoc committee, participated in the discussions.
Members of the KRMO ad hoc committee’s report preparation team and experts from different sectors presented a detailed report on the Congress government’s three-year performance. The report examined promises made to Muslims on ten major issues, the extent to which they were fulfilled, pending promises, alleged discrimination in representation, and the demands now being placed before the government.
The report covered issues such as the hijab ban, reservation cancellation, hate speech and hate crimes, budget allocation, political representation, waqf matters, the anti-cow slaughter law, anti-conversion law, scholarships and educational grants.
Participants offered suggestions and recommendations on various points, and necessary corrections to the report were accepted after detailed discussions.
The meeting also reportedly expressed strong dissatisfaction over the manner in which the Congress government has treated the Muslim community. Participants are said to have opined that if the government and the Congress party continue in the same manner, the community should keep its political options open.
It was later decided that the report would be officially released at the large public convention on May 16 under the title “Karnataka Muslim Convention – What did the Congress government promise? What did it do? What next?”
The organisers appealed to people from all districts of the state to participate in large numbers and send a strong message to the government and the Congress party through the convention.
They also decided that all organisations, jamaats and associations should work towards ensuring participation from every district in Karnataka.
The statement reiterated that no politicians would be invited to the May 16 convention and that the report on the Congress government’s three-year performance would be submitted to the Chief Minister, Deputy Chief Minister, ministers and MLAs after the event.
