Jairam Ramesh, Congress leader, defended Rahul Gandhi after the BJP filed a complaint with the Election Commission over Gandhi’s remarks about investments in Maharashtra being redirected to Gujarat.
The BJP had alleged that Gandhi was attempting to sow discord between the two states with his remarks. During an interaction on Tuesday, Ramesh dismissed these accusations, questioning what the BJP was really objecting to. “What has Rahul Gandhi said that is so controversial?
Ramesh emphasized that several projects meant for Maharashtra have shifted to Gujarat, a fact widely acknowledged. He pointed to extensive media coverage on the issue, underlining that it was not an isolated claim by Rahul Gandhi.
Ramesh stressed that Gandhi’s remarks were based on facts, noting that while the BJP champions ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas,’ development seems to favor only one state, leaving Maharashtra behind.
Ramesh emphasized that Maharashtra, with its well-established infrastructure, should not be overlooked in favor of Gujarat.
The Congress leader also rejected accusations that his party was sowing discord between the two states. “We welcome investments in Gujarat, but not at the expense of Maharashtra. We are not blocking investments in Gujarat, but we must ensure that investors who want to invest in Maharashtra aren’t being pushed to relocate,” Ramesh asserted.
The BJP’s complaint to the Election Commission stemmed from Gandhi’s November 6 remarks, accusing the BJP of hindering Maharashtra’s development. The BJP, led by Union Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal, urged the EC to take action against Gandhi for spreading false information and creating discord. The BJP also called for an FIR against Gandhi. As the Maharashtra assembly elections approach, Ramesh expressed confidence that Congress and its allies would secure a clear mandate, despite BJP’s attempts to fuel communal tensions.
