Patan: Congress leader Pawan Khera said Hindus and Muslims are facing the same economic and social pressures under BJP rule. He addressed a gathering in Kakoshi village during the Congress Jan Akrosh Yatra. He said the situation demands a change in leadership in Delhi.
Khera cited unemployment, rising prices and farm distress. He said these issues affect all communities in Gujarat. He accused the BJP of using communal debates to divert public attention from these problems. He said the liquor and drugs trade in Gujarat is harming young people. According to him, this has stopped them from raising questions on lack of jobs and law and order issues. He said elderly people are being pulled into arguments on identity while core problems are left unaddressed.
Khera said farmers are under severe stress due to unseasonal rains. He said crop losses have increased their financial burden. He said people linked with the Jan Akrosh Yatra are demanding debt waivers for farmers.
MLA Jignesh Mevani also addressed the gathering. He said at least six farmers in Gujarat have taken their own lives after losing crops during recent rains. He linked these deaths to rising cultivation costs and slow government response. He said their agitation in Gujarat will continue until the government agrees to waive loans. He challenged Gujarat Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi to a public debate in Gandhinagar on drug and liquor issues.
