21-05-2025
Congress Asks: ‘Who Is Donald Trump to Declare Ceasefire?' Demands PM's Explanation in Amravati Rally
Nagpur: Maharashtra Congress chief
Harshwardhan Sapkal
on Wednesday launched a fierce attack on the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led BJP govt, questioning the legitimacy of US President Donald Trump's purported role in declaring a ceasefire following India's cross-border military action during '
Operation Sindoor
'.
Leading a massive tractor rally and Tiranga Yatra in Amravati, Sapkal demanded an explanation directly from the PM. "Who authorised Donald Trump to announce a ceasefire on India's behalf? What is the Centre hiding from the nation? The PM must speak up," he said, addressing thousands of Congress workers and farmers gathered under the banner of 'Zara Yaad Karo Qurbani'.
Sapkal, who heads the Maharashtra Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC), struck a dual tone of patriotic pride and political challenge.
"While every Indian salutes the courage of our soldiers, the govt's silence on the abrupt halt in military operations is unacceptable," he said.
"Our jawans shed blood, but this govt won't answer basic questions on national interest."
He also tore into the Centre and the Maharashtra govt over the deepening agrarian crisis. "Tur has plummeted from Rs 12,000 to Rs 6,000 per quintal due to ill-timed imports. Soybean remains stuck below Rs 4,000.
Farmers can't get crop loans and are turning to moneylenders. This is a govt of betrayal," he said, accusing former minister Dhananjay Munde of disrespecting farmers.
"If the govt does not waive farm loans and guarantee MSP, this movement will escalate. We will not stop. The govt will be responsible for whatever happens next," Sapkal warned.
The rally drew participation from AICC secretary Kunal Choudhary, former state minister Yashomati Thakur, Amravati MP Balwant Wankhade, former MLA Virendra Jagtap, and local Congress leaders including Bablu Deshmukh and Bablu Shekhawat.
Across Maharashtra, Congress units organised similar Tiranga Yatras in all districts and talukas as part of a state-wide campaign to honour soldiers and demand justice for farmers. The campaign, invoking slogans like "Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan", seeks to unite patriotism with rural discontent ahead of the upcoming elections.
