ASSAM

CONGRESS PRESIDENT SHRI MALLIKARJUN KHARGE’S VISIT

Congress President describes BJP’s ‘double engine’ as ‘double deceit’ Congress Assam Manifesto, announces five guarantees

Guwahati: Addressing a massive public rally on March 29, 2026, Congress President Shri Mallikarjun Kharge referred to the widespread corruption and misgovernance under Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. He expressed confidence that the people of Assam will vote to unseat the BJP government. He compared the BJP government to “Ali Baba and 40 thieves”, remarking that the Double Engine claims of the BJP were actually the “Double Deceit”. He accused the state government of misusing welfare schemes such as ‘Arunodoi’ for political purposes and noted that public funds were being spent on image-building exercises. The Congress President also referred to the irregularities in land allocation, contracts and illegal mining activities, while raising concerns over unemployment, inflation and repeated exam paper leaks affecting the youth.

Congress President Shri Mallikarjun Kharge launched the Party’s Manifesto for the ensuing Assam Assembly elections, announcing five key guarantees which have been listed in the Congress Manifesto. He said that wherever the Congress promised such guarantees and came to power, these were implemented without any delay. These include monthly unconditional monthly cash transfer to women along with 50,000 support for entrepreneurship, cashless health coverage of up to25 lakh per family, ensuring justice to late singer Zubeen Garg within 100 days, conversion of annual land rights (Eksoniapatta) into periodic land ownership for 10 lakh indigenous Khilonjiya people, and monthly pension of ` 1,250 for senior citizens along with a dedicated ministry for their welfare.

He said that the manifesto had been prepared after extensive consultations and aimed at “transforming Assam’s future,” with a special focus on youth, farmers, tea estate workers, women and small entrepreneurs.

Congress President Shri Mallikarjun Kharge accused the BJP and the RSS of promoting divisive politics and undermining social harmony in Assam. Referring to the teachings of Srimanta Sankardev, he said that Assam’s legacy of unity and humanism was under threat.

He said that our Party is strong, this time Congress will win. On the 9th, leave all work and go to the polling booth, cast your vote. The public rally was attended by the AICC General Secretary Shri Bhupesh Baghel, Dy. Leader in Lok Sabha and PCC President Shri Gaurav Gogoi, Shri Bandhu Trikey, AICC Secretary Shri Manoj Chauhan, Shri Ganga Jyoti, Shri Abhyarthi J.P. Das, Shri Narayan Bhuyan, Shri Jayanta Khaund, Shri Ghana Buragohain, Shri Ananda Narah, Shri Vivek Das, Shri Rasool Hussain, Shri Nureen Gogoi and large number of Congress workers.

Congress Party rebuts the BJP’s claims on deporting infiltrators

Shri Mallikarjun Kharge asks CM Himanta how his wife got 3 passports

Borkhola (Assam): Addressing a huge public rally on April 6, 2026, Congress President Shri Mallikarjun Kharge hitting hard at the Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma over recent revelations about the assets of his family, asked him how his wife got three passports.

Taking on the BJP government, particularly Union Home Minister Amit Shah, on the issue of infiltration from Bangladesh, Congress President said that it was the Congress-led UPA government that acted strictly against infiltrators. He said that the Union Home Minister only speaks about illegal migration but does not act against illegal immigrants.

He alleged that the BJP governments at the Centre and in the state were selling off precious assets like land, forests, mines and water to private companies. He disclosed that thousands of acres of land had been given to Adani in the name of “Greenfield Projects”.

Referring to the recurring floods in Assam, Kharge ji pointed out that annual floods devastate crops and homes, yet the BJP has failed to offer any permanent solution to this recurring crisis. He asserted that the region has suffered neglect over the past ten years of BJP rule, causing distress to students, labourers, and the general public alike.

Shri Mallikarjun Kharge said that in Assam, the BJP misused delimitation to secure electoral victory. He said that in constituencies with a high concentration of Muslim voters, those areas were divided and merged with other segments; similarly, in areas with a large Dalit and tribal population, boundaries were altered by mixing other communities.

Congress President Shri Mallikarjun Kharge also questioned why the Modi government remained silent regarding the Women’s Reservation Bill for 30 months. He asked why the bill was not introduced during the recently concluded parliamentary session. He argued that the BJP was now trying to exploit this issue for political gain amidst the ongoing elections. Kharge Ji appealed to people to vote for the Congress, emphasising that removing the BJP from power is imperative to safeguard the nation and its democracy.

Congress set to form government in Assam

Guwahati: Addressing a press conference on the last day of campaigning, Congress President Shri Mallikarjun Kharge said that the Congress was certain to win the elections in Assam and would secure 72-73 seats.

He said that instead of working for the progress and development of the state and its people, Himanta Biswa Sarma was working only for himself, as was evident from the number of companies, tea gardens, resorts, an international school and other assets he owns.

Responding to Sarma’s taunts at Gaurav Gogoi by describing him as the “Chief Minister’s son”, Congress President asked Sarma to compare his own wealth with Gourav Gogoi’s. “Just check his affidavits and see how much wealth he has accumulated in five years”, he said, referring to Sarma.

The Congress President also criticised the BJP government for undue delay in setting up a fast-track court to probe Zubeen Garg’s death. “Don’t know whom they wanted to protect”, he said, adding that, the Congress would deliver justice within six months of forming the government.

He also assured that all welfare schemes currently running in the state would continue under the Congress regime. He said that not only will the schemes continue, they will be improved and strengthened with more benefits for women. He said that unlike the BJP, the Congress would not discriminate against anyone while providing the benefits under such schemes.

SHRI RAHUL GANDHI’S VISIT

Himanta most corrupt Chief Minister in India

Guwahati: Addressing a series of public meetings in Assam, Leader of Opposition Shri Rahul Gandhi said on April 2, 2026, that Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma was the most corrupt Chief Minister in the country.

He said, “Let me assure you, the day our government will be formed, he (Himanta) will not be able to speak. He will not be forgiven. Strict action will be taken against him. The rampant corruption he and his family has indulged in, he will have to face the consequences.”

“What he says, he says out of fear. He knows that Congress will not spare him. His pride will be crushed the moment he loses the government. They (the BJP) are all cowards”, he asserted. Leader of Opposition Shri Rahul Gandhi also assured the implementation of Article 244-A of the Constitution which is a long-pending demand of the people in tribal areas such as Karbi Anglong. He pointed out - how thousands of ‘bighas’ of precious land of Assam had been given to people like Adani, Ambani and Ramdev by the BJP government.Shri Rahul Gandhi said that massive corruption was involved in these land transactions. He remarked that people like Adani, Ambani and Ramdev have paid huge money in bribes to get the land. This money is used by the BJP in the elections, he added.

The Leader of Opposition reiterated that Narendra Modi had signed the Indo-US Trade Deal under pressure from Trump, out of fear of being exposed through Epstein files and the criminal case against Adani in the US.

Maintaining that the US had benefited from the deal while India had got nothing, he reiterated that Modi had hurt interests of Indian farmers. Leader of Opposition Shri Rahul Gandhi announced five guarantees for people of Assam. These include unconditional monthly cash transfer to women of the state, Rs. 50,000 to them to start business entrepreneurship, justice for Zubeen Garg within 100 days, permanent ‘pattas’ to ten lakh indigenous people, increase in senior citizens’ pension to Rs. 1,250 every month along with a dedicated ministry for them, and Rs. 25 lakh health insurance cover for every family.

The Public Meetings were held in Sarihajan (Hanjanglangso), District Karbi Anglong, and Titabor, District Jorhat. The meeting was attended by the AICC General Secretary In-Charge Shri Jitendra Singh, Assam PCC President Shri Gaurav Gogoi, senior leaders of the Congress Party, Congress and alliance workers.

People of Assam will not forgive Himanta

Biswanath (Assam): Addressing a largely attended public meeting on April 5, 2026, Leader of Opposition Shri Rahul Gandhi said that Himanta was not only the most corrupt Chief Minister but also the most communal one, who was spreading hatred day in and day out.

He said that the people of Assam will not forgive Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and the countdown to his going to jail has begun. He referred to the BJP party’s past failed promises like providing ST status to six communities, providing LPG cylinders for Rs. 500 and paying higher wages to tea garden workers. “Has any of these promises been fulfilled?” he asked the people, who replied in the negative. Maintaining that Assam was like a bouquet with different kinds of beautiful flowers in it, he referred to eminent personalities such as Srimanta Sankardev, Gopinath Bordoloi, Bhupen Hazarika and Zubeen Garg, saying that the state’s identity is rooted in harmony and inclusiveness, and all of them preached love and harmony. Leader of Opposition Shri Rahul Gandhi also reiterated five guarantees for the people of Assam. Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Shri Rahul Gandhi took meetings in Biswanath, Golaghat and Kamrup district.The meeting was attended by Shri Gaurav Gogoi ji, Shri Bandhu Tirkey ji, senior leaders of the Congress Party and the Alliance leaders.

KERALAM

CONGRESS PRESIDENT SHRI MALLIKARJUN KHARGE’S VISIT

UDF Campaign in Keralam launched

Congress President targets LDF failures and says Keralam wants change

Kozhikode (Keralam): Addressing a huge public meeting Congress President Shri Mallikarjun Kharge said that the UDF’s mission was to “restore Keralam to its people,” adding that the electorate was speaking “in one voice” in favour of political change. Asserting that Keralam was looking forward to change, Congress President Shri Mallikarjun Kharge on March 25, 2026, launched the United Democratic Front (UDF) campaign from Kozhikode.

Mounting a sharp attack on the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) over governance, economy, and employment, he flagged the tacit understanding between CPI(M) and BJP in the state, describing it as the ‘CJP’ (Communist Janata Party).

Congress President Shri Mallikarjun Kharge accused the LDF government of failing to deliver over two consecutive terms, saying its decade-long rule had resulted in rising public debt and economic stress. He noted that Kerala’s debt was nearing 6 lakh crore, translating into a per capita debt burden of around 1.7 lakh.

Congress President said that LDF government did not even spare God. They stole gold from Sabarimala temple. What can one expect from such government and such party? He also referred to a surge in drug-related cases, describing Keralam as the “drug capital of India,” and criticised the deteriorating public healthcare system marked by infrastructure gaps and staff shortages.

On employment, he said that the LDF had failed to generate adequate jobs, adding that there were widespread “backdoor appointments” and favouritism. The Congress President said that the UDF was the “Only genuine alternative” for voters seeking change. The people of Keralam understand this clearly. Congress President Shri Mallikarjun Kharge accused both the LDF and BJP of neglecting the Malabar region, citing fewer government jobs and inadequate healthcare facilities in north Keralam. On young voters, Congress President Shri Mallikarjun Kharge said that Keralam’s youth deserved better opportunities and governance aligned with their aspirations. He compared the LDF’s job promises with those made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the national level, saying both had failed to deliver employment. He flagged uncertainty in Gulf countries affecting Malayali workers and their families, calling it an added economic concern. Referring to state’s passion for football, I also know the football mania that runs through the streets of Kerala.

Urging Party workers, he said that every Congress and UDF worker - go to every booth, reach every voter, leave no house unvisited. This should be your work, only then you can change the scenario of our Kerala and also you will get a UDF government. He described the upcoming election as a decisive moment for Keralam, particularly for Kozhikode and the Malabar region, to assert political relevance and unity. I want to tell every family struggling under debt, under drug menace, under broken health system - your answer is April 9. The public meeting was attended by the AICC General Secretary (Org) Shri Venugopal, Smt. Deepa Dasmunsi, Shri Sunny Josephi, Shri V.D. Satheesan, Shri Sayyid Sadiq Ali Thangal, Shri K. Sudhakaran, Shri Ramesh Chennithala, Shri P.K. Kunhalikutty, Shri M. K. Raghavan, Shri Sachin Pilot, Shri K.J. George, Shri Imran Pratapgarhi, Shri Krishna Byre Gowda, Shri Shafi Parambil, Shri Praveen KR, other senior leaders and large number of congress workers.

Shri Rahul Gandhi addressed via video conferencing

Keralam: a social fabric that treats everybody with love and affection

New Delhi: Addressing a huge public meeting via video conferencing from New Delhi on March 25, 2026, Leader of Opposition Shri Rahul Gandhi said that yesterday, my mother was hospitalized, I as a son was quite worried about her, and so decided to stay with her. And I know that the people of Kerala will understand this. Yesterday night, I was sleeping in my mother’s room… in the hospital room on a little sofa… and like any son, I was extremely worried about my mother’s health. And the whole night, I was only comforted by one thing, I was comforted by anurse from Kerala who came in every hour to check up my mother. Every single hour she would come, she would check my mother, she would smile, she would hold my mother’s hand. And I was thinking to myself how many sons, daughters, brothers, sisters have nurses from Kerala comforted in their difficult moments.

Shri Rahul Gandhi said that this is the spirit of the state of Kerala. A nurse exemplifies Kerala very well. A nurse doesn’t differentiate between what religion a patient has, what community a patient is from. And really this is the central fight in the Kerala election. Are we going to empower and free the spirit of Kerala? Are we going to allow Kerala to imagine a completely new future or are we going to trap the people of Kerala? There are actually only two parties fighting in Kerala. One is the UDF alliance and the other is the partnership between the BJP and the LDF. The UDF unites people, listens to people, embraces and empowers people. The LDF and their hidden partner, the BJP, divide people, crush people’s dream.

The Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha also questioned the functioning of the Enforcement Directorate(ED), alleging selective targeting by the agency. Referring to Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, Shri Rahul Gandhi asked why cases against him were not progressing while Opposition leaders faced frequent scrutiny.

Questioning LDF on employment, he said that instead of making you number one in employment, number one in technology, they have made you number one in drug cases in India. There are 8.25 lakh drug users in Keralam including 75,000 killed. LDF is destroying a healthcare system that was once a global model.

Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Shri Rahul Gandhi also unveiled a set of welfare guarantees for women, youth, and vulnerable groups. He said that we have fulfilled our promise in Telangana and in Karnataka. We do not believe in making empty promises.

He said that we are launching this campaign in the lovely city of Kozhikode. I want to tell every single UDF worker - go to every single house, go to every single person in Kerala and build support for the UDF.

He further said that I want to tell every family struggling under debt, under the drug menace, under the broken healthcare system - your answer is April 9. Defeat the corrupt LDF, expose the BJP’s politics of hate… Let Keralam breathe again. Keralam will win, UDF will lead. Jai Keralam, Jai UDF, Jai Hind.

Change is imminent, and the Congress-led UDF will form the Government in Keralam

Idukki (Keralam): Addressing a public meeting on April 5, 2026, Congress President Shri Mallikarjun Kharge also predicted that the Bharatiya Janata Party was not going to win a single seat, saying the people of Keralam are well aware and educated enough to understand the BJP’s communal and divisive designs.

“Change is coming. You be ready, and if you all support, definitely Congress will come… 100 per cent this time”, he said, adding, “today, after our strong victory in local body elections across Idukki, it is clear- the people are shifting towards the UDF.”

The Congress President also said that Keralam Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan was following the path of Prime Minister Modi. He added that they are two sides of the same coin. Congress President said that the state debt had touched Rs. 6 lakh crore, while the unemployment rate had reached 30 percent, the highest in the country. The youth, he said, were being forced to move to different places in search of jobs.

He pointed out that the LDF government was plagued by corruption scandals ranging from gold smuggling to scams in infrastructure development, the Sabarimala gold theft case and the Cochin Minerals financial deal.

He said that farmers, fishermen, small traders and many others feel abandoned. “Welfare schemes are either delayed or poorly implemented”, he noted, adding that “rising debt, visionless governance and shrinking opportunities have pushed the state into uncertainty and hopelessness.”

Referring to the proposed amendments to the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act, Kharge ji said, “Modi’s intention is not reform but to target Christian institutions that have served the nation in education, healthcare and charity for decades.” He added that it is also on civil societies, NGOs, and people who are working for the poor. He asserted that the Congress Party would stand like a wall against any such injustice done by the BJP and Narendra Modi.

Referring to the plight of tea and cardamom workers, he said that they were suffering as tea planters were shutting down their businesses in the area. Referring to thousands of families in the area still not having land titles for the land they have lived on for generations, he said that the Congress would simplify laws and ensure every deserving family receives its ‘pattayam’.

He further promised free bus travel for women across the state. Besides, college and university-going girls would receive Rs. 1000 monthly cash assistance. He also announced that a dedicated ministry would be set up for the welfare of the elderly.

AICC General Secretary In-charge Smt. Deepa Dasmunsi, Smt. Seethakka, Shri P.V. Mohan, MP Dean Kuriakose, Shri Francis George, Shri E.M. Augusthy, Shri Joy Thomas and our member of our allies were present at the meeting.

SHRI RAHUL GANDHI’S KERALAM VISIT

Leader of Opposition Shri Rahul Gandhi asks why PM is blind to loot of Ayyappa temple by LDF?

Adoor (Keralam): Addressing an election rally in Adoor on March 30, 2026, Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Shri Rahul Gandhi said that the BJP and the LDF were together fighting against the Congress. “There is a hidden hand of the BJP in Keralam elections working for the LDF”, he remarked, pointing out how the BJP government was not acting against the LDF people despite massive corruption in the state.

On the corruption and misgovernance of the Left Democratic Front government in Keralam, Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Shri Rahul Gandhi said that the way Prime Minister Narendra Modi was being controlled by the US President Donald Trump, the same way Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan was being controlled by Prime Minister Modi and for the same reasons. Loot of Ayyappa temple

Shri Rahul Gandhi asked the Prime Minister why he was silent over what happened in Sabarimala Temple. He assured that once the UDF forms the government in Keralam, those responsible for theft of gold from the temple would be punished.

He noted that all those who oppose the BJP were harassed and intimidated, but why no action was being taken against the Keralam Chief Minister. He also took a dig at the Left Front government saying it was no longer a leftist party in its actions and policies as it was working like a “corporatist” regime dependent on big corporates, much like the BJP. “The Left is about protecting workers from the market, but the LDF government in Keralam is not interested in protecting rubber workers. They don’t care”, he added. The Leader of the Opposition reiterated his charge that Prime Minister Modi was compromised because of Epstein files and a case against Gautam Adani in the US. He pointed out how US President Donald Trump was repeatedly humiliating Modi and saying if he wants, he can finish Modi’s career but Modi does not say anything.

Keralam Chief Minister scared of Modi, knowing he can send him to jail: Leader of Opposition Shri Rahul Gandhi

Kannur (Keralam): Addressing a series of largely attended public meetings in Kannur on March 31, 2026, Leader of Opposition Shri Rahul Gandhi reiterated that there was a clear understanding between the BJP and the ruling LDF in Keralam. He said that Modi wants the LDF to win and keep the Congress/UDF out of power. Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Shri Rahul Gandhi said that Keralam Chief Minister was scared of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, as he knew PM Modi has the key to put him in jail, and that is the reason he was not speaking against Modi. Giving further evidence of BJP supporting LDF, he said that there was not a single case against the Kerala CM or his family despite huge corruption.

On Indo-US Trade Deal

Referring to the Indo-US trade deal, Shri Gandhi said that Modi had signed away India’s future to America just because he was afraid of getting exposed through Epstein files if he refused to accept Trump’s terms and conditions. Besides, he added, Modi was scared about the case against Gautam Adani, which actually threatens to expose the BJP’s financial architecture.

Reaffirms five welfare guarantees

The senior Congress leader reaffirmed five guarantees for the people of Keralam, once UDF forms the government in the state. These include free bus travel for women, Rs. 1,000 monthly cash assistance for all college and university-going girls, interest-free loans of up to ` 5 lakh for youth who want to start their own business, an increase in the old-age pension to Rs. 3,000 per month, and Rs. 25 lakh health insurance for every family in the state.

Thanks Congress/UDF workers families who gave away their lives fighting CPM Leader of Opposition Shri Rahul Gandhi also expressed his gratitude to all those Congress and the UDF workers and their families, who fought the CPM over years and paid with their lives. “You held our flag high against most difficult and hostile circumstances, and we will always be grateful to you”, he told their families. After a public gathering in Kannur, he addressed meetings at Kallayi and Perambara and held a road show from Koyillandy to Kollam — a Southern district in the state. The public meetings were attended by Shri K.C. Venugopal, Shri K. Sudhakaran, Shri Martin George, Shri Sunny Joseph, Shri Sajeev Joseph, Shri Mohanan, Shri Abdul Kareem, Shri Jayanthi Rajan, Adv. Abdul Rasheed, Shri Chandran Thillankeri, Shri KP Saju, Shri T.K. Govindan, Shri V. Kunhikrishnan, Adv. Rajeevan Ji, workers of the UDF and workers of the Congress Party.

Leader of Opposition Shri Rahul Gandhi warns of ‘financial earthquake’ in Keralam due to West Asia war, asks what Centre and state are doing to protect people

Kozhikode: Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Shri Rahul Gandhi, on March 31, 2026, warned of a looming “financial earthquake,” linking the ongoing tensions in West Asia to a likely surge in fuel prices and inflation that could directly impact people across India, especially Keralam, in the coming months. While addressing a gathering, he described the situation in the Gulf region as a “tragedy” with uncertain consequences, cautioning that its ripple effects would be felt in Keralam and across the country. He added that rising global instability could soon translate into economic distress at home. “You know what is happening in the Middle East… a tragedy is unfolding, and nobody knows where it will end. The people of Keralam and India will be directly affected. Fuel prices are going to rise. Inflation is going to go up. A financial earthquake is coming—one or two months from now,” Shri Rahul Gandhi said. Targeting both the Centre and the state government, the Congress leader questioned the preparedness of authorities to shield citizens from the anticipated economic fallout. “Modi cannot do anything. He is run by Donald Trump. But what is the Kerala government doing to protect you? What is the Kerala government doing to make your life easier?” Shri Gandhi asked during his public rally.

There are 13 Assembly constituencies in Kozhikode include Vadakara, Kuttiady, Nadapuram, Koyilandy, Perambra, Balussery, Elathur, Kozhikode North, Kozhikode South, Beypore, Kunnamangalam, Koduvally and Thiruvambady.

Leader of Opposition Shri Rahul Gandhi raps LDF for aligning with those who attack minorities and have lost touch with the people

Alappuzha (Keralam): Addressing a large public meeting on April 4, 2026, Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Shri Rahul Gandhi said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Keralam Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan were drunk with power, had grown arrogant and had lost touch with the people. He lashed out at the ruling Left Democratic Front in Kerala, saying that it was aligning with the same forces which were attacking the minorities like Muslims, Christians and Sikhs across the country.

“LDF stands for Left Democratic Front. Frankly speaking, there is nothing Left in the Left Democratic Front, and after the elections, there will be nothing left of the Left Democratic Front itself,” he remarked amidst thundering applause from the crowd.

Referring to the BJP, Shri Rahul Gandhi said that there was a “hidden hand” behind the LDF government and “that hidden hand is communal, it does not accept the Constitution of India, it divides the people of India, it attacks the people of India, it humiliates the people of India.”

Leader of Opposition Shri Rahul Gandhi also raised issue of attack on minorities and said that there was a “wholesale attack taking place on minorities in the country.” He said that two nuns from the state were attacked in Chhattisgarh, and Manipur churches were burnt but the Keralam CM has a partnership with those who are doing this. He also asked why Modi was not mentioning the gold theft in Lord Ayyappa’s temple, the holiest temple in Keralam, though he speaks about God, temples and religion in almost every speech. This, he added, was because he wanted to help the LDF leaders, who stole the gold and replaced it with brass. He also spoke on the Indo-US trade deal, the Epstein files and a criminal case against Gautam Adani in the US. He warned that the impact of the deal will be felt soon when petrol and gas prices touch unimaginable prices. He also said that he traditional coir industry in Keralam had been destroyed. Besides, he promised Rs. 3,500 per quintal MSP for paddy and a special package for the revival of the coir, cashew and the handloom industries.

Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Shri Rahul Gandhi’s took meetings in Alappuzha, District Idukki, Kochi and Ernakulam district. The meetings were attended by AICC General Secretary in-charge (Organisation) Shri K.C Venugopal and several leaders from the state.

Leader of Opposition Shri Rahul Gandhi slams CM Vijayan’s arrogance in projecting himself as the only leader who can rule Kerala

Thrissur (Keralam): Addressing a largely attended public rally here, Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Shri Rahul Gandhi on April 6, 2026, said that the Congress-led UDF was fighting against the LDF and BJP partnership in Keralam. He said that Modi was supporting the LDF against the UDF in Keralam because he knows that the LDF, unlike the Congress, cannot pose a threat to him at the national level.

He reminded people that the Left Front was partnering with the same people who set fire to Manipur. “They are the same people who attacked nurses in Chhattisgarh. They are the same people who divide India along religious lines and spread hatred and violence everywhere”, he pointed out.

In contrast to the arrogant leadership of the LDF and the BJP, he said that the Congress has a legacy of great and humble leaders like K. Karunakaran, Oommen Chandy and AK Antony. “That is the type of leadership we are proposing”, he said.

The senior Congress leader had a special praise for Keralam, noting that Saint Thomas first landed here and first mosque in India was built in the state, along with many important temples also. He said that Keralam reflects the historical tradition of unity and harmony in diversity. Besides, he praised the compassion and warmth of the people of the state.

PUDUCHERRY

CONGRESS PRESIDENT SHRI MALLIKARJUN KHARGE’S VISIT

Congress pitches for Puducherry statehood

Congress President described the NR-BJP government as a “30% commission government” in Puducherry

Puducherry: Addressing a public meeting, the Congress President Shri Mallikarjun Kharge on April 4, 2026, launched a scathing attack on the BJP-led NDA government in Puducherry, flagging widespread corruption, administrative interference, and failure to deliver on jobs and development. He promised a slate of welfare guarantees if voted to power in Puducherry and pledged full statehood when the INDIA bloc forms the government at the Centre.

Shri Mallikarjun Kharge urged voters to choose between “corruption and accountability” and to back the INDIA bloc for “clean governance and jobs”. Congress President reiterated the Congress promise and commitment to grant full statehood to Puducherry, accusing the Centre of undermining the elected government through the Lieutenant Governor. He added that when Rahul Gandhi becomes the Prime Minister, full statehood to Puducherry would be ensured.

He said that the BJP was using the LG’s office to delay decisions and interfere in governance, citing past friction during the tenure of Congress CM V. Narayanasamy and LG Kiran Bedi. Pointing to the widespread corruption prevailing in the state, he said that the NR-BJP government is described as a “30% commission government”, with allegations of inflated projects, fund misuse, and stalled development.

The Congress President accused the central government of favouring industrialist Gautam Adani in allocation of national assets. Warning that the land and heritage of Puducherry was under threat, he referred to illegal grabbing and misuse of temple lands and public assets, calling it “theft of public wealth”. Referring to governance failures, he pointed out that there was a severe drinking water shortage, saying the ‘Jal Jeevan Mission’ had failed in the UT. He also flagged the rise in liquor outlets and proposed factories, terming it harmful to society and water resources. Kharge Ji also raised the issue of the arrest of fishermen.

The Congress President drew special attention to the deteriorating law and order situation, including crimes against women. Besides, he also referred to the fake medicine scam in Puducherry. Referring to the widespread unemployment prevailing there, he said that the NDA government had failed to create jobs. He asked what had happened to the Prime Minister’s promise of providing 2 crore jobs every year.

He also expressed concern over repeated paper leaks and drug abuse, which were badly affecting the youth. Maintaining that the BJP and the NDA had not done anything and that the entire infrastructure had been built by the Congress, he said that the educational and healthcare institutions like JIPMER had been built by the Congress only. He said that the BJP was just rebranding what had actually been done by the Congress. He said that Congress is a national Party. It fights for your right. For your welfare. For your voice. Dr. Manmohan Singh and Smt. Sonia Gandhi brought in the Right to Food, Right to Education, Right to Information, Right to Work (MGNREGA), Forest Rights Act. BJP is attempting to snatch these rights. Vote for Congress because we fight BJP, nationally. Congress President Shri Mallikarjun Kharge also announced three guarantees, which include free education from primary to research level, and a ` 2,000 monthly scholarship for students. He also announced that to provide food security, groceries worth Rs. 2500 will be provided to all families through ration shops. The Congress government will also provide a gold subsidy to married women.

He further said that on April 9, vote to oust this corrupt government from here and usher in a new, clean and honest government in your state! Let 2026 be the moment when the people of Puducherry take back control of their future. The meeting was attended by PCC President & Ex Chief Minister Shri V. Vaithilingam, and CLP Leader Shri Vaithianathan, former Chief Minister Shri Narayanasamy, General Secretary AICC-In charge, Shri Girish Chodankar Shri Ponnam Prabhakar and candidates on the dais. The Congress Party wants the LG should not rule like a king

Congress committed to Puducherry statehood: Leader of Opposition Shri Rahul Gandhi

Puducherry: Addressing a well-attended public meeting in Puducherry, Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Shri Rahul Gandhi on April 6, 2026, said that the Congress was committed to granting full statehood to Puducherry and the Party does not want it to be run from Delhi.

He said that his Party does not want the Lieutenant Governor here to rule like a king. Puducherry, he asserted, should be run and governed by its own people. “I feel that the state is not being run by its own people. It is clear that the government in Puducherry is not an expression of the will of its people but is imposed from Delhi,” he said, adding, “there has always been a demand for full statehood, which was promised by the BJP but hasn’t been given.”

Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha said that the BJP runs Puducherry by remote control, with the Lieutenant Governor (LG) acting as a means to bypass the will of the people. “Regional leaders are being sidelined, and local body elections are not being allowed to be held,” he remarked.

He noted that the strategic Karaikal Port has already been sold to him, and he has incorporated Adani Electricity Puducherry Limited (AEPL), which indicates that even Puducherry’s electricity supply may soon be handed over to him.

He said that today Puducherry has become a hub for fake medicines, with massive fake drug manufacturing taking place, yet no action is being taken. These drugs are being sent across the country, he said, adding this isn’t just corruption, it’s corruption with murder included.

Leader of Opposition Shri Rahul Gandhi said, “The most important thing is that the people of Puducherry get a voice in the government, we want the people of Puducherry to run this beautiful state.” He also said that the local body elections, which have been delayed for a long time, would be held within six months of the formation of a Congress-led government.

WEST BENGAL

Congress President releases Party manifesto with Nehruvian path

Congress offers third alternative in Bengal with jobs and welfare focus

Kolkata: The Congress Party Manifesto was released on April 7, 2026, by the Congress President Shri Mallikarjun Kharge, in presence of the Party AICC General Secretaries (Communication, Publicity, Media including Social & Digital Media) Shri Jairam Ramesh, General Secretary In-charge Shri GA Mir, West Bengal PCC President Shri Subhankar Sarkar, former MP Shri Pradip Bhattacharya, MP Shri Isha Khan Choudhury and other senior leaders.

The Congress today pitched itself as a third alternative for the people of West Bengal, highlighting the Nehruvian middle path with a package of welfare guarantees and employment measures. Speaking on the occasion, Congress President said, the Congress was fighting on its own in the state for the first time in twenty years. He said that the incumbent government which has been in power for 15 years was marred by “corruption and control”, while the BJP was only indulging in the politics of polarisation, hatred and violence.

The manifesto aims at reviving Bengal’s economy, promoting investment and generating employment. He noted that Kolkata was once known to be the favourite destination for investments and jobs. But now, there are no investments and youth of the state have to search for jobs in different parts of the country.

The manifesto promises Rs. 2,000 monthly cash assistance for women, Rs. 15,000 annual assistance for farmers and Rs. 10 lakh health insurance cover for each family in the state. Flagging unemployment as the biggest problem in West Bengal, he announced that the Congress government will launch the Bengal Employment Guarantee Mission, encourage startups with funding and prioritise AI education and skill development.

The manifesto lays special emphasis on women’s empowerment, viewing them not merely as beneficiaries, but the “drivers of the economy”. Apart from Rs. 2,000 every month, they will get free education up to Post Graduation level.

The manifesto made it categorically clear that no matter which party the criminals belong to, they will be strictly dealt with according to the law. It said, the “party raj” will be replaced by the “rule of law”.

Referring to the Special Intensive Revision of the electoral rolls, Shri Jairam Ramesh disclosed that the names of the grandson and the grand daughter-in-law of eminent painter Nandalal Bose, whose illustrations are in the original copies of the Constitution of India, have been removed from the electoral rolls. He said that the SIR was the dangerous weapon being used by the BJP. The General Secretary (Communication, Publicity, Media including Social & Digital Media) Shri Jairam Ramesh also referred to the debate in the Parliament on the national song Vande Mataram. He said that the BJP had tried to use the occasion to target Rabindranath Tagore by invoking Bankim Chandra Chatterjee. “This is how they tried to defame Tagore,” he remarked. “We believe the TMC and BJP are two sides of the same coin. West Bengal needs a new coin and not the old one - with TMC on one side and BJP on the other”, he added.