Joint efforts to challenge BJP
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav are collaborating to wrest power from the PM Modi-led BJP government in the Lok Sabha elections 2024. On Sunday, both leaders addressed rallies in Uttar Pradesh's Prayagraj. However, their campaign was cut short due to a stampede-like situation in the Phulpur constituency. (Pic credit: PTI)
Rahul Gandhi attacks PM Modi during a rally
While addressing a rally in Uttar Pradesh's Prayagraj, Rahul Gandhi boldly claimed that the BJP would secure only one seat in Uttar Pradesh. He said, "Have you heard (Prime Minister) Narendra Modi is winning only one BJP seat of Kyoto (Varanasi) in Uttar Pradesh?" This statement drew attention to the competition in the region. (Pic credit: PTI)
Rahul, Akhilesh were supporting INDIA bloc candidate
Rahul Gandhi and Akhilesh Yadav were addressing a joint poll meeting in Prayagraj in support of INDIA bloc candidate Ujjawal Raman Singh. Their presence underscored the importance of the alliance and their combined efforts to challenge the BJP's stronghold. (Pic credit: PTI)
Gandhi urged voters to support the party's candidate
"The fight is to save the Constitution," Gandhi asserted, holding up a copy of the Indian Constitution. "The BJP and the RSS are attacking it, and I want to tell them that no power can tear and throw the Constitution away." Rahul Gandhi then reiterated the promises made by Congress and urged voters to support the party's candidate. (Pic credit: PTI)
Promises for farmers and youth employment
Gandhi reiterated the promises made by the Congress. "We are going to make a law for an MSP of farm produce and we will also provide support to the unemployed youth," he added, highlighting the party's commitment to addressing key issues. (Pic credit: PTI)
Akhilesh Yadav's accusations against BJP
Speaking before Gandhi, Akhilesh Yadav accused the BJP of endangering lives and the Constitution. "The BJP put our lives in danger with the Covid vaccine and now wants to destroy the Constitution," Yadav said. He pledged job creation for the youth if the INDIA bloc government is formed. (Pic credit: PTI)
Akhilesh promises revoking of Agniveer scheme
Yadav promised to provide permanent jobs and revoke the Agniveer scheme of recruitment in the armed forces. "We will take back the Agniveer scheme of recruitment in the armed force and will provide permanent jobs," Yadav said, appealing to the youth. (Pic credit: PTI)
Campaign disrupted in Phulpur
However, their rally in Phulpur constituency was disrupted as the crowd broke barricades and reached the stage, creating a stampede-like situation. Consequently, Rahul and Akhilesh had to leave without addressing the people of Phulpur. The campaign was in support of Amarnath Maurya, contesting on an SP ticket. (Pic credit: PTI)
Unruly crowd rushed to the stage
Congress leader Rewati Raman Singh explained that the crowd became too large, overwhelming the police. "The crowd had become too large, and there weren't enough police officers, which caused the crowd to become uncontrollable and rush the stage. As a result, Akhilesh Ji and Rahul Ji had to leave without giving their speeches," Singh said. (Pic credit: PTI)
The rally highlighted strategic alliance between Congress and Samajwadi Party
Commenting on the BJP's ambitious target of "400 paar" seats, Singh remarked, "These rallies show what the people want. These people intend to change the Constitution, and they have already said so, which is why they are shouting '400 Paar'. The people themselves are fighting this election to save the Constitution and to protect reservations." (Pic credit: PTI)