HYDERABAD: Union Home Minister Amit Shah launched a sharp attack on the Congress government in Telangana during the BJP Maha Padayatra in Hyderabad, calling upon party workers and supporters to work towards bringing the BJP to power in the state. Addressing the gathering, he stressed the need to protect democracy, end what he described as lawlessness, and strengthen the BJP’s presence in Telangana.
Recalling the contribution of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Amit Shah said that Hyderabad State would not have achieved liberation without Patel’s efforts. He also criticised the Congress’s ‘Vote Bachao’ campaign, alleging that it was aimed at protecting illegal infiltrators rather than addressing genuine electoral concerns.
Amit Shah Raises SIR and Voter List Issues
Speaking about the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, Amit Shah accused Rahul Gandhi and the Congress of spreading misinformation over claims that 13 crore votes had been deleted. He stated that the figures included approximately 6.5 crore voters who had shifted to other locations and around three crore deceased persons.
He questioned the Congress’s opposition to removing names of deceased persons and ineligible voters from electoral rolls. He further alleged that the Congress and the INDIA alliance were attempting to obstruct the SIR process for political reasons.
Amit Shah asserted that the government would not allow illegal infiltrators to obtain voting rights, particularly referring to alleged illegal immigration from Bangladesh. He also questioned Rahul Gandhi’s position on the issue.
Defends BJP’s Electoral Victories
Referring to the BJP’s electoral performance, Amit Shah said that the party had secured three consecutive victories at the Centre even before the introduction of the current SIR process. He cited the BJP’s electoral victories in Maharashtra, Haryana, Delhi, Bihar, West Bengal and Assam, stating that the party had received the support of the people.
He also questioned the Congress’s criticism of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), arguing that political parties should accept electoral outcomes. He pointed to the Congress victory in Telangana and the formation of non-BJP governments in Kerala and Tamil Nadu while questioning the allegations raised against EVMs.
Amit Shah said that the BJP was ready for a discussion on SIR and EVMs in Parliament and questioned why the Congress was not participating in such a discussion.Targets Rahul Gandhi and Congress Leadership
In his address, Amit Shah made strong remarks against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, stating that he would never become the Prime Minister of India and making a reference to a mock Parliament.
He also criticised the Congress over its electoral performance, using the expression that the party was on a ‘ventilator’ and accusing it of blaming EVMs whenever it faced electoral defeats.
Alleges Corruption Under Congress Rule
Amit Shah alleged that corruption amounting to ₹12 lakh crore had taken place during the Congress’s ten years of rule at the Centre.
Targeting the Congress government in Telangana, he alleged that an ‘RR Tax’ was being collected in the state and questioned where the money was going. He made allegations involving Rahul Gandhi and Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, claiming that the alleged collections were linked to the Congress leadership.
He further questioned whether the AIMIM leadership or the BRS could effectively address corruption allegations against the Congress, asserting that the BJP would take up the issue. Praises Narendra Modi’s Governance
Highlighting Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, Amit Shah said that the Prime Minister had completed 12 years in office and claimed that his administration had maintained a corruption-free record. He also criticised Congress-led governments in various states, alleging that they had failed to fulfil the promises made to the people.
Concluding his address, Amit Shah called upon BJP supporters to work towards strengthening the party in Telangana and expressed confidence in the BJP’s future electoral prospects in the state.
