Maharashtra Election 2024: Rahul Gandhi in Amravati: Why He Made Mention of Dharavi, Adani?

Maharashtra Election 2024: During a spirited election rally in Amravati, Maharashtra, on November 16, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi launched a scathing attack on the BJP and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Speaking to a packed audience, Gandhi accused the ruling party of undermining India’s Constitution and alleged corruption linked to land allocation in Dharavi. The rally, held as part of Congress's broader campaign in Maharashtra, saw Gandhi emphasize his commitment to protecting the Constitution and serving the people.

BJP disrespecting Constitution

Rahul Gandhi accused the BJP of disrespecting and subverting the Indian Constitution, claiming the party operates behind closed doors to undermine its principles. Holding a copy of the Constitution on stage, he argued that the BJP and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) see the document as an empty formality, rather than as the guiding framework of India. 

“This book is the DNA of our country,” Rahul Gandhi said, referencing the Constitution as embodying the philosophies of Shivaji Maharaj, Mahatma Gandhi, and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar. According to him, the BJP and RSS dismiss these ideals as hollow, symbolizing their lack of respect for constitutional values.

Controversy Surrounding Dharavi Land Allocation

One of Rahul Gandhi’s primary claims focused on the political turmoil in Maharashtra, particularly the alleged motives behind the collapse of the Congress coalition government. Rahul argued that the government was destabilized to facilitate the transfer of prime land in Dharavi to billionaire industrialist Gautam Adani. 

"This government was toppled so that Dharavi land could be given to Adani," he asserted, accusing BJP leaders, including Home Minister Amit Shah, of conspiring to bring down the coalition to benefit their wealthy allies. Gandhi appealed to the public to recognize what he called a hidden agenda and “game” of the BJP, warning that the BJP’s approach would result in policies favoring the elite over the common people.

Reference to Deputy CM Ajit Pawar’s Interview

Rahul Gandhi bolstered his claims by referencing a recent interview with Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar. In this interview, Pawar allegedly admitted that multiple meetings occurred in 2019 to discuss the formation of a BJP-NCP coalition, with Adani reportedly participating in these discussions. 

Rahul Gandhi called this involvement “the dark truth of Maharashtra politics,” claiming it underscored how financial and real estate interests can dictate political actions. He cautioned that when governments are toppled for the sake of profit, it signals a need for public vigilance and awareness.

(PRAKASH KUMAR PANDEY)