‘Trump controls PM’: Rahul Gandhi attacks Modi in Assam, calls Himanta ‘most corrupt CM’

New Delhi: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Thursday stepped up his attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, claiming that US President Donald Trump “controls” him. He also called Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma the “most corrupt chief minister” in the country and accused him of running “land ATMs” in the state along with Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah.“You may ask, why is Rahul talking about the US-India deal during the Assam campaign? You need to understand where the pressure is on you,” Rahul said while addressing election rallies in Karbi Amlong and Jorhat.

“Why did this deal happen? It happened because Donald Trump controlled Narendra Modi,” he added.The Congress leader said the trade deal opened up India’s agricultural sector to US competition, putting Indian farmers at risk. “Narendra Modi has opened up soybeans, pulses, fruits, cotton to American farmers. Indian farmers have small farms with less mechanization… Indian farmers will be crushed and wiped out,” he said.“Today, if India wants to buy oil from other countries, it needs permission from Donald Trump and the United States…Narendra Modi gave India’s data to Donald Trump. They can do whatever they want with the data,” Rahul added.

“The most corrupt CM”

Rahul also launched a direct attack on Salma. He said, “The most corrupt chief minister in India is Himanta Biswa Sarma, and his family is also the most corrupt. The Congress government will take action against him. Although he is bragging now, he will be completely silent later.”He alleged that the Assam government was working through consortiums and land was being taken away from the people and handed over to corporates. “Modi, Shah and Sarma created a land-based ATM in Assam. They snatched land from the people and gave it to big industrialists,” Rahul asserted.“Even if the chief minister seeks mercy, the law will take its own course… No one in the world can save him from legal proceedings,” he added.

Congress pledged before vote

Rahul also outlined key promises in the Congress manifesto, including financial support for women and healthcare benefits. He listed the party’s “five guarantees”, which include monthly financial assistance to women, Rs 50,000 support to women entrepreneurs and health insurance up to Rs 25 lakh.He also promised to provide permanent land rights to 1 million indigenous people and fully implement the constitution’s provisions on tribal areas.Rahul further mentioned late Assamese singer Zubeen Garg and said he symbolized the spirit of the nation and promised justice. “He embodies the spirit of Assam’s multi-cultural, multi-religious heritage. Once we come to power, we will deliver justice within 100 days, that is 100 per cent sure,” the Congress leader said.“People of different ideologies, identities, religions and castes live in Assam… We want people to live like this,” he added.The 126-member Assam Assembly will go to polls on April 9, with counting scheduled for May 4, in a direct contest between the Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Development Alliance and the Congress party.