Daijiworld Media Network - Ichalkaranji
Ichalkaranji, Jun 20: Union Home and Cooperation minister Amit Shah on Saturday launched a sharp attack on the Congress, accusing the party of neglecting farmers' interests and questioning the extent of farm loan waivers implemented during its tenure.
Addressing a public rally in Maharashtra's Ichalkaranji, Shah asked Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi how much debt relief had been provided to farmers during the Congress-led government's decade in power.
“Farmers have long demanded that profits earned by sugar factories should not be taxed, but their concerns were ignored. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, however, waived income tax worth RS 46,000 crore in one decision, giving a fresh boost to the sugar industry,” Shah said.
He also highlighted financial assistance provided under various central schemes, stating that the Modi government had transferred Rs 4.28 lakh crore directly into farmers' bank accounts through 22 instalments over the past 12 years.
“People should choose a government that genuinely works for their welfare and remains committed to their development throughout its tenure,” he said.
Focus on Sugar Cooperatives and Ethanol Production
Shah said the government had undertaken several measures to strengthen Maharashtra's cooperative sugar sector, including reducing the GST on ethanol from 28 per cent to 5 per cent.
He announced that the Centre would establish a cooperative ethanol plant in western Maharashtra at an estimated cost of Rs 1,500 crore to support sugar mills that lack the resources to build such facilities independently.
“The profits generated from all products manufactured at this plant will be shared with cooperative sugar mills,” he said.
‘Modi’s 12 Years Are Just the Beginning’
The Union Minister asserted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had transformed multiple sectors, ranging from agriculture and scientific research to women's self-help groups and start-ups.
“Modi ji's 12 years are only the beginning. The BJP-led NDA will continue governing for many years, and the vision of a fully developed India by 2047 will be realised under his leadership,” Shah said.
He further claimed that Modi had become India's longest-serving democratically elected Prime Minister and that his tenure would be remembered for several landmark decisions.
Security and Anti-Terror Measures
Shah contrasted the current government's approach to national security with previous administrations.
“There was a time when terrorist attacks and bomb blasts occurred frequently, yet the leadership remained silent. Under Prime Minister Modi, India responded through Surgical Strikes, Air Strikes and Operation Sindoor by taking decisive action against terrorism,” he said.
He added that India had demonstrated its determination to protect national security with firmness.
Remarks on Naxalism and Key Policy Decisions
The Home Minister also said that decades-old Naxalism had been significantly curtailed and peace had expanded across several regions of the country.
“Peace has been strengthened from Ladakh and the Northeast to Punjab and Lakshadweep,” he said.
Highlighting major decisions taken during the Modi government's tenure, Shah cited the abrogation of Abrogation of Article 370, the construction of the Ram Mandir, development of the Kashi Vishwanath Corridor, expansion of Mahakal Lok and beautification efforts at the Somnath Temple.
“Prime Minister Modi has ensured that India's voice is heard and respected across the world,” Shah said.