Rajnath Singh Points to Higher Inflation Under Congress Rule in Punjab

In a series of election rallies in Punjab's Ferozepur and Anandpur Sahib parliamentary constituencies, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh delivered a strong critique of the Congress party's governance, linking it to high inflation rates in India. Singh, while addressing the public, highlighted that under the Congress rule, inflation had seen significant spikes, contrasting sharply with periods of BJP governance where, according to him, inflation was more effectively managed.

During his speech, Singh pointed out historical inflation trends, noting that from 1947 to 1950, the inflation rate stood at 2 per cent but jumped to 13.8 per cent during Nehru's tenure. He further mentioned that between 1964 and 1966, inflation was over 10 per cent. Singh credited the Morarji Desai government for reducing inflation from 30 per cent to 7 per cent by lifting restrictions on the movement of farm produce between states.

The Defence Minister also addressed the current government's efforts in controlling inflation and refuted claims made by the opposition regarding rising unemployment rates under the BJP's rule. He asserted that India boasts the lowest unemployment rate among major countries, with figures significantly lower than those in South Africa, Iraq, Brazil, Italy, France, China, and the United States.

Turning his attention to the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in Punjab, Singh accused it of failing to fulfill its promises of creating a 'vibrant Punjab' and instead leading the state towards bankruptcy. He criticized AAP's governance in Delhi and Punjab for allegedly promoting liquor shops and allowing drug trade and hooliganism to flourish.

Singh also touched upon the misuse of Article 356 of the Constitution by Congress to dissolve elected governments, questioning their commitment to democracy. In contrast, he highlighted that during its ten years in power, the Modi government did not dissolve any elected government.

The Defence Minister reassured that reservations for Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Other Backward Classes (OBCs) would remain intact under BJP's rule, countering opposition claims about potential threats to these provisions.

Emphasizing law and order as a prerequisite for development, Singh praised BJP-governed states like Uttar Pradesh for their rapid progress. He promised similar development for Punjab if BJP comes to power in the next assembly elections.

In conclusion, Singh lauded India's growing international prestige and economic advancements under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership. He cited significant legislative actions such as the scrapping of Article 370, passage of the Citizenship Amendment Act, and legislation against triple talaq as evidence of BJP fulfilling its promises.