Don't let BJP’s empty words fool you: Kamal Nath

Addressing mammoth gatherings in Bhandargondi, Mujawar, Lengri, Ranpath and Moya on the final leg of his two-day visit to the district, he said: “They hoodwinked the nation’s populace by acts that were diametrically opposite to assurances made half a decade earlier. We must demand a reply from the Narendra Modi dispensation during these polls that comprise a mega-festival of democracy.”

Underlining that he rather closely observed the condition of Chhindwara’s cultivators and their circumstances, the CMadded that he had made up his mind vis-a-vis agrarian debt waiver at the maiden opportunity therefore 50 lakh tillers were thus benefitted in the state.

“The predecessor saffron dispensation ceaselessly deceived Madhya Pradesh for one-and-a-half decades. Schemes aimed at women’s betterment were drafted by Congress stalwart Sonia Gandhi but Mama (‘maternal uncle’ Shivraj Singh Chouhan) had his own photographs published. In fact, the BJP capitalised on programmes created in the past by the then Premier Indira Gandhi for tribal folk’s interests and protecting their land. You shall have to raise your voices so that henceforward nobody is able to subject peasants to injustice,” he said.

Ask why Rs 15 lakh were not credited to everyone’s accounts, why two crore jobs were not created, what was achieved in this state in the name of development and who actually experienced good days, Mr Nath said, adding that the public is innocent but not imbecile.

“The Congress is a party of sacrifices; numerous leaders relinquished everything for the nation's sake. When we spoke of public issues during the tenures of Mr Modi and Mr Chouhan, they commenced speaking of nationalism. I wish to inform the BJP that they ought not to tutor us regarding patriotism. Those attempting to provide us a lesson in nationalism must first mention whether they have any freedom fighter in their ranks. They cannot reply to the nation, the farmer and the youth,” Nath said.

Within merely 82 days in power, the state’s Congress government achieved what could not be attained in 15 years by the erstwhile BJP regime, he said, adding that the agricultural loan remission process - up to a ceiling of Rs 2 lakh - halted owing to the Model Code of Conduct being in force but shall be resumed later; outstanding power bills were set aside; pensions enhanced and many other pledges fulfilled.

“This is just the beginning as the next 180 days shall see our critics gaping in disbelief,” Nath promised.