Kharge referred to the Women’s Reservation bill as a ‘jumla’ (empty promise), alleging that Prime Minister Modi would not fulfil it in 2024 or 2029. He drew parallels with unfulfilled promises like the INR 15 lakh deposit pledge, asserting that such assurances were mere statements.
Raipur, September 29, 2023 – Congress National President Mallikarjun Kharge criticised the BJP and the Centre for creating confusion among the masses, emphasising that Congress understands the plight of poverty and works tirelessly for the welfare of the people. He lauded the initiatives of the Chhattisgarh government under Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel and highlighted the successful implementation of programs worth INR 2300 crore in Baloda Bazar. Kharge expressed confidence in Congress’s support from the people and stated that continued collaboration would secure their position in the state.
Kharge referred to the Women’s Reservation bill as a ‘jumla’ (empty promise), alleging that Prime Minister Modi would not fulfil it in 2024 or 2029. He drew parallels with unfulfilled promises like the INR 15 lakh deposit pledge, asserting that such assurances were mere statements. He predicted that the Women’s Reservation bill would remain a slogan for elections, just like the unmet commitment of creating jobs for 10 crore people.
In a joint effort, Mallikarjun Kharge and Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel inaugurated 264 development projects valued at INR 266 crore in Balodabazar-Bhatapara district. These included 150 inaugurations worth INR 176 crore and groundbreaking ceremonies for 114 projects worth INR 90 crore. Additionally, they disbursed funds for Nyay schemes and labour initiatives to benefit farmers and workers.
During the conference, INR 1895 crore was transferred to the bank accounts of 24,52,592 farmers under the Rajiv Gandhi Kisan Nyay Yojana. An amount of INR 5 crore 16 lakh was also transferred to 65,000 cow dung sellers as part of the Godhan Nyay Yojana. The funds allocated to Rajiv Gandhi Kisan Nyay Yojana reached INR 23,893 crore, and those for Godhan Nyay Yojana reached INR 507.14 crore. Additionally, INR 57 crore 18 lakh was granted to 33,642 sugarcane-producing farmers as incentives.
The Chief Minister Construction Workers Pension Assistance Scheme, which offers a lifetime pension of INR 1500 to registered construction workers aged 60 and above, was launched during the conference.
INR 55 crore 76 lakh 26 thousand was distributed to 1,02,889 beneficiaries under various schemes. This included INR 3 crore 86 lakh for 2881 beneficiaries of the Chhattisgarh Unorganized Workers Social Security Board, INR 1 crore 65 lakh for 3236 beneficiaries of the Chhattisgarh Labor Welfare Board, and INR 50 crore 24 lakh for 96,772 beneficiaries of the Chhattisgarh Building and Other Construction Workers Board.
Kharge expressed his sadness over the passing of M.S. Swaminathan, often referred to as the father of the Green Revolution in India. Swaminathan’s contributions to agriculture and farmers were acknowledged, and he was remembered as a renowned figure both in India and globally. A moment of silence was observed in his honour.