Congress leader Rahul Gandhi challenged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss the issues surrounding farmer protests and rising unemployment just hours before his Mann Ki Baat address on Sunday.
“If you dare, then do – KisanKiBaat and JobKiBaat,” Gandhi tweeted. Congress functionaries on Twitter have launched a social media campaign over the past week demanding that the Prime Minister address the issues related to rising unemployment. Congress' youth wing through social media also criticised the government for not addressing the issues faced by India's youth.
Gandhi has on several occasions attacked the government over the three farm laws, alleging that they are intended to benefit “handful of PM Modi's friends”. He alleged that instead of benefiting farmers, the laws will benefit the companies who invest in the agricultural sector.
During a tractor rally in Kerala, Rahul Gandhi had said, “We have pop stars who are commenting on the situation of Indian farmers but the Indian government is not interested. They are not going to take back three laws unless they are forced.” He had also tweeted in support of the Bharat Bandh called by transporters' union on February 26. “No employment, rising prices, government enjoying, eyes closed, therefore – Bharat Bandh,” Gandhi had tweeted.