"Unity in diversity is the strength of our nation": Congress candidate from Kangra, Anand Sharma
May 27, 2024
Chamba (Himachal Pradesh) [India], May 27 : Congress candidate from Kangra, Anand Sharma alleged on Monday that the BJP "is intending to change" the Constitution and his party believes in "unity in diversity" while highlighting the importance of voting.
He also accused the BJP of drawing lines between states based on regionalism and language.
Addressing a public rally in Chamba ahead of June 1 voting for all four constituencies in the state, Anand Sharma said, "You must always remember the importance of your vote. This right gives equality to all. Congress' identity is due to the diversity in our country. Unity in diversity is the strength of our nation".
"There is a difference in thought between two parties. (Congress and BJP). However the BJP is not inclusive, they are drawing lines between states based on regionalism and language and this will weaken the nation. It has become important to stop it," he said. "The rights given by the Constitution are safe only till the time the Constitution is safe. The party which is in power at the Centre intends to change the Constitution...."
Earlier in the day, Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi also addressed a rally in Kangra and attacked Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
"PM is talking nonsense from the stage. Sometimes it is said that Congress will steal your buffalo, they will steal your mangalsutra. Their truth is absolutely clear. You are being told on TV that there is no leader like Modiji and the country is progressing. The truth is that today the youth are unemployed and inflation is increasing. 70 crore youth are unemployed in this country," She said.
Former Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh and leader of the opposition in the state, Jairam Thakur today also addressed a rally in Mandi.
"This election is about choosing the Prime Minister. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has already achieved a majority in the five-phase elections. Now, with your support, we aim to surpass the target of 400 seats," the BJP leader said.
Actor-turned-politician Kangana Ranaut is contesting from Mandi seat.
Polling in all the four constituencies of Kangra, Mandi, Hamirpur and Shimla will be held in the seventh and final phase on June 1. It will not only pit candidates vying for Lok Sabha membership from four seats but also elect members for six assembly seats that fell vacant following the resignation and switchover of dissident Congress lawmakers.
The counting and results will be declared on June 4.
The BJP, which won all four Lok Sabha constituencies in the state in the 2019 elections, is eyeing an encore this time.
