Senior Congress leader Sachin Pilot has expressed unwavering confidence in the party's prospects for the upcoming assembly elections in Haryana and Jammu & Kashmir. In a series of interviews and campaign rallies, Pilot has highlighted the core issues driving the elections and the Congress's strategy for victory.
1. Development as the Core Issue
Pilot emphasized that development is the primary issue in the Haryana elections. He pointed out that the BJP has been in power for a decade and has failed to deliver meaningful development. In a recent interview with NDTV, Pilot stated, 'Development is the main issue in the elections and it has been proven that in 10 years, the BJP can't govern and the people of Haryana have made up their mind and we'll win with a thumping majority.'
Pilot also criticized the BJP's governance, claiming it has driven prosperity away from the country and created confusion among the people. He highlighted that instead of providing jobs to the youth, the BJP has only given them batons, silencing any voices of dissent.
2. Confidence in Congress Victory
Pilot expressed confidence that the Congress and its allies will achieve significant victories in both Haryana and Jammu & Kashmir. He noted that the BJP's recent change in chief minister of Haryana reflects their anticipated defeat after a decade in power.
In a recent statement, Pilot said, 'As per the feedback received, I believe that we (Congress) are going to form a government in Haryana with a very good majority.' He also expressed hope that the party would achieve victory with its ally in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly polls.
3. Campaigning and Voter Engagement
Pilot has been actively campaigning across Haryana, visiting various constituencies to support Congress nominees. In Gurugram, he rallied support for Vardhan Yadav, emphasizing that Yadav's victory would strengthen the hands of Rahul Gandhi, Deepender Hooda, and himself. He assured constituents that together, they would bring comprehensive development to the region.
Congress candidate Mohit Grover in Gurgaon has also intensified his campaign, conducting several rallies and engaging in door-to-door canvassing with his supporters. His wife led the women's wing of the campaign, visiting at least eight areas to connect with women voters and seek support.
4. Critique of BJP's Policies
Pilot criticized the central budget for failing to address the needs of farmers, youth, and the middle class. He accused the government of catering to chief ministers of certain states with empty promises while neglecting other regions. He questioned why Rajasthan was overlooked in the budget, attributing the omission to political retribution for the BJP's narrow loss of 11 seats.
Pilot also condemned the current administration in Rajasthan for its handling of law and order issues. He highlighted ongoing incidents of rape in Jodhpur as a severe breakdown in law and order, for which the state government is responsible. He criticized the central government for criticizing the previous UPA administration under Manmohan Singh while failing to address current issues.
Pilot questioned the BJP's recent focus on issues like Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), calling it election rhetoric aimed at diverting attention from real issues like agrarian distress, record unemployment, and inflation. He emphasized that these issues are crucial for the people of Haryana and Jammu & Kashmir.
Pilot noted that the double engine formula of Haryana and the central government has run its course. He stated that the response, feedback, and sentiment are all in favor of the Congress. He believed that issues like the three farm laws, humiliation of athletes, and Agniveer will cost the BJP dearly. The middle classes and young people are now fed up with the BJP's governance, making it a spirited campaign for the Congress.
Pilot assured that once the election results are out and a good majority is secured, the Congress will decide on who will head the government. He emphasized that every single Congress leader in Haryana has agreed to abide by the party's decision on chief ministership.
In conclusion, Sachin Pilot's confidence in the Congress's victory in Haryana and Jammu & Kashmir is evident. His campaign strategy focuses on development, voter engagement, and critiquing BJP policies. The outcome of these elections will be crucial for both states and will set the stage for future political dynamics.
