UP Elections: Priyanka Gandhi Promises to Waive Off Agricultural Loans; Create 2 Million Jobs

In the run-up to the Uttar Pradesh legislative assembly elections, Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi made a number of promises on Thursday. Priyanka Gandhi announced that the Congress would create 2 million jobs and that each district would have a manufacturing hub. 

"The Democratic Party will run for office on the basis of development. A total of 20 lakh employment would be created. Manufacturing hubs would open in every area, ” Priyanka was quoted as saying by news agency ANI. She was speaking at the Pratigya Rally in Moradabad, Uttar Pradesh. 

She further criticized the Prime Minister, saying he showed no regard for the farmers who perished in the struggle against the now-repealed legislations introduced in Parliament's Monsoon Session in 2020. 

Priyanka attacked the Centre and the Yogi-led administration, saying, "The Prime Minister showed little regard for farmers who perished in protests against farm legislation. It will just take Rs 4,000 crore to pay off all sugarcane growers' debts. Last year, during the Covid-19 outbreak, Modi purchased a private plane for Rs 8,000 crore. The Centre is paying Rs 20,000 crore for beautification of Parliament but doesn't have the money to clear your dues." 

Priyanka Gandhi also blasted out at the government over farmers' inability to obtain  fertilizers in time for the winter sowing season. According to an HT report, farmers from all over the country have complained that vital agricultural nutrients, particularly DAP (diammonium phosphate) and muriate of potash (MPO), have hit a five-year low and are being forced to acquire them at higher prices. For winter-sown wheat, DAP is a necessary nutrient. According to another HT article, one farmer died in Uttar Pradesh's Lalitpur in October while waiting in a line to buy fertiliser. 

"Farmers are committing suicide as a result of a severe fertiliser scarcity. I met the relatives of two farmers who had passed away. We'll pay farmers Rs 2500 per quintal for paddy and wheat, and Rs 400 per quintal for sugarcane. Farmers' loans would be forgiven," Priyanka added.