Minister Pradhan Calls Rahul And Priyanka Gandhi 'Tourists' Amid Haryana Campaign

Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan criticized Rahul and Priyanka Gandhi's campaign in Haryana, calling them 'tourists' and alleging the Congress fears BJP's return. Rahul Gandhi, meanwhile, attacked the government over the Agnipath scheme, urging voters to back Congress. Haryana's assembly elections are on October 5, with results on October 8.

Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Monday slammed Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi and Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, labeling them 'tourists' during their campaign in the poll-bound state of Haryana. Pradhan alleged that the Congress was fearful of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) retaining power, which he claimed would expose the supposed ill-gotten wealth of Rahul's brother-in-law, Robert Vadra.

'Let them campaign for their party; they keep roaming around like tourists. They are scared that if BJP comes to power for the third time, the wealth Robert Vadra looted from Haryana's farmers will be exposed. People of Haryana have faith in PM Modi, and Nayab Singh Saini will become CM again,' Pradhan asserted.

Meanwhile, Congress MP Rahul Gandhi criticized the central government over the Agnipath scheme during his 'Vijay Sankalp Yatra' in Ambala. He warned Agniveers not to be deluded by the scheme, alleging that the government intends to strip them of their pensions to benefit business tycoon Adani.

'A normal soldier is entitled to a lifetime pension, but Agniveers will not receive pensions. This essentially means money is taken from Agniveers and given to Adani. This scheme is designed to help Adani, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi aims to snatch away pensions,' Gandhi stated. He emphasized that the upcoming Haryana elections are a direct contest between Congress and BJP, urging voters to support Congress at the polls.

Haryana will vote on October 5 to elect members to its 90-seat legislative assembly, with the results scheduled for October 8. In the 2019 elections, BJP emerged as the single-largest party with 40 seats while Congress followed with 30 seats.

(With inputs from agencies.)