The Congress top rung on Wednesday met in Delhi to discuss the party strategy for the Chhattisgarh assembly elections due later this year. The meeting was attended by party president Mallikarjun Kharge, former party chief Rahul Gandhi, Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel, besides the party's in-charge for the state Kumari Selja and general secretary, organisation, KC Venugopal. The party's Chhattisgarh unit chief Mohan Markam and ministers, including T S Singh Deo, were also present at the meeting.
Kharge said party members will work together to keep bringing change in the lives of the people of Chhattisgarh. "Garhbo Nava Chhattisgarh' is not just a slogan for us, it is a goal for the state's progress and social justice. The people of Chhattisgarh and their unwavering faith in the Congress party will continue to propel the continuous stream of development," he tweeted.
Baghel later said on Twitter that the party was ready for assembly polls and the meeting discussed the changes in the lives of people following the 'Nava Chhattisgarh' model initiated by the Congress government in the state.
On the other hand, the grand old party on Wednesday alleged that India is paying more than other countries for the purchase of the 31 predator drones, a deal that was welcomed by PM Modi and US President Joe Biden during the Prime Minister's first state visit to the US. Comparing this to the Rafale deal, the party asked, "Is it not reminiscent of the Rafale deal wherein PM Modi unilaterally signed a deal for 36 Rafales without the Defence Ministry or the External Affairs Ministry privy to it?"
The Congress alleged that the Government of India is paying 3.072 billion (Rs 25,200 crore) deal for 31 MQ-9B Predator drones manufactured by General Atomics. "Why is India paying more than the actual price for a drone, as compared to other countries? Why are we paying the highest price for a drone, which does not have AI integration," Congress asked.