BJP won't cross 150 seats in LS: Rahul

Bhopal: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, addressing a poll rally in Alirajpur under the Ratlam (ST) Lok Sabha constituency in Madhya Pradesh, promised to increase the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) wage to Rs 400 if his party assumes power at the Centre.

Regarding BJP's electoral prospects, Gandhi dismissed claims of a landslide victory, predicting the party would fall short of crossing the 150-seat mark in the Lok Sabha. He warned of oligarchic rule under BJP, suggesting only a handful of wealthy individuals would govern the country if BJP retains power.

Gandhi said there will be a Rs 150 increment in the MGNREGA wage under Congress government, alongside a commitment to conduct a caste and economic survey to ensure fair reservation allocation and wealth redistribution among different sections of the population. He asserted that the 50 per cent reservation cap would be lifted for this purpose.

Further, Gandhi promised the waiver of crop loans for farmers nationwide if the Congress secures a mandate in the general elections. He highlighted Congress' proposed employment scheme, ensuring one-year jobs for unemployed youth, outlined in the party's manifesto.

Gandhi cautioned against a purported agenda by the BJP and RSS to alter the Constitution, potentially endangering reservation policies, particularly targeting tribal communities' land rights.

Gandhi also addressed a poll rally in Seagaon under the Khargone (ST) Lok Sabha constituency, as both Ratlam and Khargone gear up for the final phase of polling in Madhya Pradesh on May 13.