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Rahul Gandhi Calls Congress "Only Force" to Defeat BJP in Bengal Polls

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has made a direct appeal to West Bengal voters, asserting that the Congress is the only party capable of defeating the BJP in the ongoing ideological battle. He contrasted the BJP's actions of "snatching away rights" with the Congress's mission to deliver and protect them, including safeguarding the Constitution. The appeal comes as the state begins its two-phase assembly election, with officials confirming all arrangements and extensive security are in place for smooth polling. After failing to win any seats in 2021, the Congress aims to turn the contest into a triangular fight against the ruling Trinamool Congress and the BJP.

Key Points: Rahul Gandhi: Congress Only Force to Defeat BJP in Bengal

  • Gandhi's direct appeal to Bengal voters
  • Congress framed as rights protector vs. BJP
  • High-stakes two-phase election begins
  • Extensive security for peaceful polling
3 min read

Rahul Gandhi urges Bengal voters to back Congress, calls it "only force" to defeat BJP

Rahul Gandhi appeals to Bengal voters, positioning Congress as the sole ideological challenger to the BJP ahead of the state's two-phase assembly elections.

"in this battle of ideologies, only the Congress can defeat the BJP - Rahul Gandhi"

New Delhi, April 22

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday appealed to the people of West Bengal to support the Congress in elections, asserting that it is the only party capable of defeating the BJP in the ongoing ideological battle.

In a message addressed to the "brothers and sisters of West Bengal," Gandhi said that while the BJP "snatches away rights," the Congress works to deliver and protect them.

"Brothers and sisters of West Bengal, in this battle of ideologies, only the Congress can defeat the BJP. They snatch away rights; we deliver them. They erase the Constitution, we protect it. They want to wipe out India's diversity, while we respect every culture and every language alongside Bengal. Let us come together to make Congress victorious with overwhelming votes and form a government of justice, dignity, and progress in Bengal," he said on X.

As the first phase of polling in West Bengal would be held tomorrow, the Returning Officer for Asansol Uttar, Aghore Kumar Roy, said that all arrangements have been put in place for smooth and peaceful polling in the constituency.

As per the Election Commission of India (ECI), the first phase covers 152 Assembly constituencies, while the second phase includes 142 seats.

The polling for the 294-member Assembly in West Bengal will be held in two phases. The counting of votes is scheduled for May 4.

Speaking to ANI about the preparations, Roy said that polling parties are being dispatched to their designated polling stations with all necessary materials.

He informed that extensive security measures have been implemented, with Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) deployed at every polling station to ensure free and fair elections.

"This is the 281 Asansol Uttar Assembly constituency. Everything is proceeding peacefully and systematically. Polling parties are collecting materials and moving to their designated polling stations. Each booth will have webcasting cameras inside and outside, with CAPF security deployed at every station. Polling begins at 7:00 am, preceded by a mock poll at 5:30 am. Voting will close at 6:00 pm, but anyone in the queue by then will still be allowed to cast their vote. In Asansol, there are 3,313 polling stations, all equipped with uninterrupted webcasting and full security arrangements", he said.

In the 2021 Assembly polls, the Congress could not manage to open its account in the seat tally. After a horrendous performance in the last elections, Congress is aiming to turn the contest between the ruling Trinamool Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) into a triangular fight.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
The emphasis on protecting the Constitution and diversity is crucial. In today's climate, we need parties that genuinely uphold these values. Hope voters make an informed choice.
R
Rohit P
Zero seats last time! How can they claim to be the "only force" to defeat BJP? This just splits the anti-BJP vote and helps them. TMC is the main opposition here, like it or not. Strategy should be practical, not just ideological.
M
Meera T
As a Bengali, I appreciate him speaking about respecting our culture and language. But actions matter more than words. Where was the Congress all these years when Bengal needed a strong central alternative? The webcasting and security details are reassuring though. Every vote must be safe.
D
David E
Interesting to watch from abroad. The democratic process in India, with its scale and security measures, is always impressive. The ideological battle he mentions is a debate happening in many democracies.
K
Karthik V
The message is good on paper – justice, dignity, progress. But in the end, Bengal needs stable governance and development. We have to see which alliance or party can actually deliver that. May the best team win! 🙏

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