On Wednesday, Priyanka Gandhi, a prominent member of the Indian National Congress party, accused the current ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government in Assam of suppressing people’s right to have a voice, by connecting various welfare programs with associates of political participation.
While speaking at an election rally in Nazira, which is the first of many such rallies she has planned leading up to this upcoming election, she emphasized that this election is not just about governance, but also about protecting the principles of democracy, cultural identity, and freedom for each individual. She went on to say that some beneficiaries of government sponsored programs, especially the women receiving direct assistance payments (money), have been told they must go to government sponsored events (like rallies featuring Modi or various government leaders), or they will have to lose out on receiving those payments.
Priyanka Gandhi explained that this situation creates an extra burden on women, who must decide whether to complete their day-to-day responsibilities, earn a living, or attend political functions such as rallies. Welfare programs are funded by taxpayers, and should not have strings attached that take away a right from a citizen.
Additionally, Gandhi accused the BJP party of bullying opposition members, and that some Congress party members have allegedly been forced to attend various political events, against their will. Finally, she accused the state government of being corrupt, claiming that land and other resources have been given to selected industrial entities while the average citizen continues to be exploited through alleged “fraud and syndicates.”