BJP chief dismisses Rahul Gandhi's 'Goonj' series as ineffective

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president Nitin Nabin on Wednesday dismissed Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi's "Chhatron ki Goonj" programme series, asserting that its influence would remain confined to Congress party workers.

Speaking at a press conference, Mr. Nabin suggested that those attempting to "misdirect the voices of children" lacked the credibility to address youth issues. He contrasted this with the government's record, stating that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, young people are becoming self-reliant. "The youth of the country and the general public are with Modi ji," he added.

In a separate attack, Mr. Nabin criticised the Congress party's recent decision to sing only two stanzas of Vande Mataram at its events, labelling the party's mindset as "anarchic" and "anti-national."

Seva Sankalp Abhiyan

Mr. Nabin used the occasion to announce a month-long "Seva Sankalp Abhiyan" from September 17 to October 17. This period marks 25 years since Mr. Modi began his public-service career as Gujarat Chief Minister on October 7.

The campaign aims to spread awareness about the changes brought about during this period, including good governance, welfare schemes, and the vision for "Viksit Bharat 2047." The BJP chief listed achievements such as lifting 25 crore families out of poverty, providing ration to 80 crore people, administering 200 crore free COVID vaccines, and giving houses to over four crore poor people.

Mr. Nabin asserted that the BJP's campaigns are rooted in its ideology and vision, not as responses to Opposition programmes. He also alleged "anarchy and corruption" in Punjab, stating the party would raise these issues in upcoming polls and build a public movement against drugs in the state.