Biplab Deb, Haryana election co-incharge of the Bharatiya Janata Party, emphasizes that the upcoming election is centered on honor, not development.
In a strong statement on September 1, 2024, former Tripura Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb criticized the Congress party and its allies in the INDIA bloc for what he termed a “pro-Pakistan” mentality and their history of “divisive politics.” Deb argued that the forthcoming Assembly election in Haryana transcends the issue of development; it is fundamentally about preserving the region’s honor. According to him, only the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) can ensure that honor remains intact.
Drawing comparisons to Pakistan and Bangladesh, Deb claimed that the Congress and its allies employ rhetoric reminiscent of historical adversaries, aiming to fragment society similarly to past empires. He urged Haryana’s citizens, known for their profound sacrifices in service of the nation, to reject such divisive tactics.
“Why does the Congress desire power? Is it to surrender India to Pakistan, or to fracture it into smaller factions?” Deb posed during the Jan Aashirvaad rally in Jind, Haryana. He asserted that the BJP stands as the representative party for the poor, the youth, and athletes.
The rally also marked the induction of former Jannayak Janta Party MLAs Ramkumar Gautam, Anoop Dhanak, and Jogi Ram Sihag, alongside Ambala Mayor Shakti Rani Sharma, into the BJP.
“This is about izzat (honor), not just development,” Deb reiterated, praising Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Saini’s capability to uphold the state’s prestige under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s guidance.
Deb condemned the silence of opposition leaders Rahul Gandhi, Arvind Kejriwal, and Akhilesh Yadav regarding grave issues like the Kolkata rape-and-murder case, claiming their ambition for power is solely for exploitation, contrasting it with the BJP’s vision of a stronger India and a leading Haryana.
In a critical remark toward the Congress, Deb highlighted internal conflicts over candidate selections, pointing out the party’s inability to unite its leadership amid ticket distribution disputes.
Characterizing Chief Minister Saini as “the son of the poor,” Deb acknowledged Saini’s efforts to reshape Haryana despite the limited time he has had in office. Saini expressed confidence that the BJP would secure an overwhelming victory in the upcoming election, predicting a strong performance with 85 seats in the 90-member Assembly while foreseeing significant challenges for the Congress in even registering a seat.
Deb concluded by contrasting the clear policy and strong leadership of the BJP under Modi with the Congress, which he accused of lacking direction and purpose.
