Agencies, New Delhi
Attacking Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP on the increase in the debt burden on Gujarat from Rs 9,183 crore in 1995 to Rs 2,41,000 crore in 2017 (22 years of BJP rule), Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi on Thursday asked why should the people of Gujarat pay for the BJP government’s financial mismanagement and publicity.
Posing to PM Modi the second in a series of questions to be raised by him in run-up to the Gujarat polls, Mr Gandhi in his tweet, said, ‘Taking an account of 22 years, the second question is on the affairs of Gujarat.
The debt on Gujarat in 1995 was Rs 9,183 crore. In 2017, it was Rs 2, 41,000 crore. This means Rs 37,000 debt on every Gujarati. Why should people of Gujarat pay for your financial mismanagement and publicity? ‘ From Wednesday, Mr Gandhi has been raising one question to the PM every day on the state of affairs in Gujarat.
The Congress has said that the series of questions, to be raised in the run-up to the Gujarat polls are aimed at highlighting the fact that under the BJP rule, the income disparities between the rich and poor have risen to record levels.
Modi was the chief minister of Gujarat for 13 years before resigning in May 2014 to assume the office in Delhi. The elections are also a litmus test for the BJP as Modi’s home state is going to polls for the first time after he became the Prime Minister. Meanwhile, Rahul, who is on a two-day visit to Gujarat, will address public meetings in Lathi, Botad, Vallabhipur and Bhavnagar today.
He will also visit Gopinathji Mandir in Botad district a day after controversy broke over his name was found written on the entry register meant for non-Hindus in Somnath Temple.
On Wednesday, the Amethi MP sought to pin the government down on the issue of housing and asked the Prime Minister whether it would take 45 more years to provide new houses to the people of Gujarat.
Giving numbers to buttress his argument, he said, “First question to the Prime Minister on the state of affairs in Gujarat – In 2012, he promised to provide 50 lakh new houses, but provided 4.72 lakh in five years. Will the Prime Minister tell whether it will take another 45 years to fulfil the promise?” Both the Congress and the BJP are not leaving any stone unturned in the high-stake election.
Senior ministers, leaders have been parachuted to Gujarat and are campaigning aggressively in the state. The two-phased Gujarat elections will take place on December 9 and 14. The counting of votes and declaration of results will be on December 18.
