Rahul Gandhi flags concerns over drugs, crime during Congress Yatra in Gujarat, BJP hits back

Following the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi's concerns over illegal narcotics and liquor trafficking in Gujarat during his Jan Aakrosh Yatra, state Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders also hit back.

In his posts on X, the Congress leader stated that people in the state, especially women, told the Congress workers that the rise in drug use, illegal liquor, and crime has made Gujarat unsafe. 

Rahul further questioned which BJP leaders were protecting the criminals, and alleged that the state government had failed to support farmers affected by the floods. 

Responding to these, Gujarat ministers Jitu Vaghani and Rivaba Jadeja stated that a strong India will no longer tolerate the Congress party, and women in Gujarat are the safest in the country. 

Taking to X, Gujarat Minister of State and Jamnagar MLA Rivaba Jadeja said, "Gujarat's crime rate against women is merely 1.48%, which is less than half the national average of 4%. Mothers and sisters are safe in Gujarat - Gujarat was, is, and will remain number one in their security." 

She added that the people of the state are determined to make the BJP win the 2027 assembly elections with a thrilling victory, while Congress will be restricted to single-digit seats. 

Meanwhile, Gujarat Agriculture Minister and State Government spokesperson Jitu Vaghani stated that the Congress had been wiped out in 21 states under the leadership of Rahul Gandhi, and is now ruling in only two or three states. 

While addressing a press conference, he added that the former Chief Minister of Gujarat, late Vijay Rupani, rightfully said that "Congress has reduced itself to a family enterprise." 

Vaghani highlighted that the BJP works for public welfare, and public welfare is its only goal. Further, adding that the government has already paid Rs 1,100 crore in compensation to five lakh farmers affected by unseasonal rains. 

Congress General Secretary Darshan Nayak has released a list of 538 illegal liquor dens in Gujarat, following the conclusion of the Jan Aakrosh Yatra in north Gujarat, demanding immediate action. 

State Congress President Amit Chavda claimed that the illegal liquor trade is active in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's hometown too, but the police aren't taking any action. 

Participating in the rally via video conferencing, Congress leader Sachin Pilot added that development benefits in Gujarat are restricted only to a few individuals, and the gap between the rich and the poor is widening. Dalits, farmers, youth, and labourers are facing hardships.