Priyanka Gandhi Rallies for Vinesh Phogat, Slams BJP in Haryana

New Delhi : Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi, while campaigning in Haryana on Wednesday, sought support for Olympic wrestler and party candidate Vinesh Phogat ahead of the October 5 elections.

During her address, Priyanka criticized both the BJP government in Haryana and the central government, focusing on the Agniveer scheme and the controversial agricultural laws. She also shared a personal anecdote to connect emotionally with the people of the state.

Speaking to a large public gathering in support of Phogat, Priyanka said, “Farmers and small traders in Haryana are struggling due to the anti-development policies of the BJP government. The Agniveer scheme forces young people into short-term, four-year employment without the promise of a pension.”

She accused the BJP of betraying the people of Haryana on multiple fronts. “When farmers marched to Delhi to protest against the black agricultural laws, they were stopped at the borders. Yet, when elections approached in Uttar Pradesh, the government quickly repealed the anti-farmer laws,” she added.

The Congress General Secretary also challenged the BJP’s claim of providing MSP (Minimum Support Price) for 24 crops, pointing out that 10 of these crops are not even cultivated in the region.

“It’s time to hold politicians accountable and demand answers for the hardships you face. The BJP has been in power for the last ten years, but during this time, they have continuously ignored your rights,” Priyanka said. She also shared a personal memory to emphasize the warmth of the people of Haryana.

“Years ago, I took my daughter to a basketball camp in Haryana. While waiting for her, I met an elderly farmer who was harvesting his crops. I asked him to teach me how to harvest, and he kindly agreed. Afterward, he invited me to his home,” she recalled.

She continued, “At his home, I was served tea and parathas. Even after nearly 18 years, I still remember that hospitality. Today, when Dadaji visits our home, he always brings sugarcane, ghee, and gifts for the children.”

Praising the rich culture of Haryana, Priyanka concluded by saying that the state is not only a land of farmers but also home to many wrestlers and soldiers who have served the country for generations.