In a disturbing video that has gone viral a day before the first phase of voting in Uttar Pradesh, a trader based in Baghpat attempted suicide during a Facebook Live, as per reports.
The trader, identified as Rajiv Tomar, is reportedly a shoe trader and caught under heavy debt. While he is in critical condition, his wife passed away.
In the video, he reportedly blamed Goods and Services Tax, or GST, for his troubles. He added that he is not "anti-national" and has faith in the country, but asked Prime Minister Narendra Modi to change his policies which are not in the interest of farmers and small traders, as per reports.
Reacting to the news, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said that Tomar's case showed the plight of small traders. After wishing for Tomar's recovery, and condoling his wife's death, Gandhi said that he stands with such people's fight against injustice.
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Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, who is leading Congress' campaign in UP, said that she was pained to hear about the incident.