NEW DELHI: Union agriculture minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan criticized Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Monday, accusing him of fostering division for political gain. "Pehle Rashtra, Phir Caste (First nation, then caste)," Chouhan said firmly, calling for unity over identity politics. “Rahul Gandhi, how much will you divide? These are divisive people, those who discriminate and divide the country for political gain,” he added, speaking to reporters in Bhopal in response to recent discussions surrounding the caste census.
The BJP leader emphasized that India stands as a land of equality and unity. "We are all sons of Mother India," he declared, underscoring the government's commitment to social justice across all sectors. "It is Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP government that has ensured social justice for all sections of society, including SC, ST, OBCs, and the economically weaker sections," Chouhan asserted.
Chouhan's rally resonated with calls for national solidarity, encapsulated in his slogan, “Judenge toh Jeetenge” (Together we will win). He maintained that efforts to divide the country would ultimately fail in the face of collective strength and unity.
Touching on Jharkhand’s political climate, Chouhan spoke confidently of the BJP’s prospects in the state, describing a “wave of change” sweeping through Jharkhand that he believes will pave the way for a BJP-led government. Chouhan accused the ruling Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM)-Congress coalition of misrule, corruption, and betraying public trust, alleging they “invited infiltrators” to boost their vote bank.
Expressing optimism about a potential "double-engine government," he asserted that such leadership would bring transformative development to Jharkhand.
The Union minister later addressed a gathering in Budhni, where he campaigned for BJP candidate Ramakant Bhargava on the last day of bypoll campaigning, reiterating his call for unity and progress under BJP's leadership.