Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Sunday accused the Bharatiya Janata Party government at the Centre of spreading hatred and violence across the nation. Speaking during the “Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra” he asserted that the government is prioritizing the interests of big corporations over those of the poor and the youth.

Gandhi, who was addressing the “Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra” in Siliguri in North Bengal, said, “The Union government has made a mockery of the youths who wanted to join the armed forces by introducing the Agniveer scheme, a short-term recruitment scheme for the armed forces.”

“Hatred and violence are being spread across the country. It will serve no purpose. Instead of spreading hatred, we have to work towards spreading love and justice for our youths. The Union government is working only for big corporations and not for the poor and the youth,” he said.

Expressing gratitude for the reception he has received in West Bengal, Gandhi said, “Bengal holds a special place. It had led the ideological fight during the Independence struggle. It is the duty of the Bengal and the Bengalis to show the way to fight against hatred and bind the nation together in present circumstances.” “If you don`t rise to the occasion, people will never forgive you,” he said.

Meanwhile, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Sunday called on the people to reject the Bharatiya Janata Party and Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, calling them “anti-constitution”, and accused them of dividing society in the name of caste.

He was speaking at a state-level convention of the oppressed communities being organised by the Federation of Associations of Oppressed Communities and Federation of Karnataka Backward Classes`.

“The people of backward, Dalit and exploited castes and communities should clearly understand who their enemy is. The enemies must be clearly identified and they should be rejected completely and build your self-esteem,” Siddaramaiah said.

The BJP and RSS continue to oppose the Mandal Commission report, and they have continuously opposed social justice and equal opportunities, he said. “Ambedkar had warned that power should not go into the hands of the opponents of the Constitution and reservation and social justice. We should not forget this warning.”

Stating that BJP leaders like K S Eshwarappa, C T Ravi and R Ashok could not have entered the assembly as MLAs without Babasaheb Ambedkar`s Constitution, the chief minister said, “They would have had to work in some other`s farms.”

Noting that some vested interests oppose him for the fact that the son of a shepherd has become the chief minister, Siddramaiah claimed, “They are opposing me for implementing schemes for all castes, middle class and poor people of all religions.”

Highlighting that his government`s schemes have provided benefits to the poor of all castes and all religions, he said, “This is why they oppose me. But I will be on your side come what may.”

Alleging that vested interests and evil forces are trying to change the Constitution and want to continue the exploitation and superstitions, Siddaramaiah said, on the one hand, they are campaigning to change the Constitution and, on the other hand, they are opposing the reservation advocated by Nalvadi Krishnaraja Wodeyar — the late Maharaja of Mysuru, former CM Devaraj Urs, Ambedkar and Shahu Maharaj. Therefore, he called upon people to teach the opponents of the Constitution a lesson. (With inputs from PTI)

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