Gurdaspur (Punjab). Congress President Sonia Gandhi while addressing an election rally in Gurdaspur, Punjab said that the Akali-BJP government had destroyed and devastated the State and blocked development. She urged the voters to replace the present government in Punjab with a pro-poor Congress Government for all-round development of the state.
Sonia Gandhi alleged that the SAD-BJP government created a big hindrance in the development of the state as it had not let Central schemes to get implemented here. “Congress led Government at the Centre has made a number of welfare policies for the people. But there have been scandals and embezzlements all round and corruption is at its peak. The UPA Government at the centre under the leadership of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh had provided funds of several thousand crores under various schemes to the state but the Akali-BJP Government did not utilize these funds properly,” said Sonia Gandhi. “Instead of using these funds for the development of Punjab they diverted the money to protect their own petty interests and for the benefit of their own people” she added. “The present Government never listened to the voices of the poor. We will have to take out the state from this darkness” urged Sonia Gandhi.
“For the development of Punjab UPA Government at the Centre started the air-service from Pathankot to Delhi, improved the Delhi-Gurdaspur rail services, approved railway line between Kaleyard and Beas, started training centres to provide computer training for the youth and training centres for women, organized job Melas for helping the youngsters to secure employment in reputed organisations. UPA under a scheme had given crores of rupees to the sulking industry in the state so that entrepreneurs invest money here but the Akali-BJP Government never implemented the Central scheme,” alleged Sonia Gandhi.
“If a Congress Government is voted to power in Punjab, the welfare schemes introduced by the UPA Government at the Centre would be implemented promptly and properly in Punjab” she assured. Sonia Gandhi then highlighted some of the promises given in the Congress manifesto. “We will be taking suitable measures to solve the economic backwardness of the Gurdaspur region on priority basis. The manifesto also assures adequate price for the lands. We have noticed that many farmers in the state face a lot of hardship because of the wires along the borders and the farmers are not able to produce enough crops in their own fields. We are therefore proposing compensation of Rs. 25000/- per acre for the suffering farmers. We are also planning to frame policies for the rehabilitation of the youth addicted by drugs so that they can have a new light in life. This region has a lot of ex-service men and we plan to bring in new policies for their welfare also. Congress will also constitute a commission to enquire about the truth behind false cases registered against various people by the present Government”, said Sonia Gandhi.
“For Congress, politics and power are the means for serving the society and to work for the poor. It has been following this policy since the beginning and has been fighting for the upliftment of all the sections of the society. We will continue our efforts to serve the country with commitment, devotion and dedication” added Sonia Gandhi.
“Congress does not make hollow promises. It delivers what it promises”, assured the Congress President. “I therefore request you to support the Congress and elect a Congress Government in Punjab. I also request you to play an important role for the progress of this beautiful state by ensuring every single vote for the Congress” concluded Sonia Gandhi.
Kaladhungi (Uttarakhand). Addressing a well attended rally at Kaladhungi in Uttarakhand as part of his election campaign Congress General Secretary Rahul Gandhi said that corruption can be removed only if we connect the common man with the political system. “ corruption can be removed only if the youth and aam aadmi are connected with the democratic political system” asserted Rahul Gandhi.
He also questioned BJP for its double-speak on corruption by saying that BJP, which talks high about curbing corruption, killed the constitutional Lokpal Bill of the Congress-led UPA introduced in the Parliament. “Corruption cannot be curbed by undertaking yatras but only by taking determined measures with a positive intention” he said.
“We brought a strong constitutional Lokpal Bill in the Parliament with an intention to curb corruption. But the BJP killed the bill. The party which undertook yatra against corruption did not want a strong Lokpal with constitutional status. It says that the Constitutional status to the Lokpal, like the Election Commission of India, is the dream of Rahul Gandhi, Sonia Gandhi and Manmohan Singh” said Rahul Gandhi and informed “It is not only the dream of the Congress but also the dream of the entire youth and aam aadmi in the country”.
“In 2004 you gave mandate for a pro-poor Congress Government in Delhi. We had given only a single promise that a government of aam aadmi which works for poor, farmers, labourers, minorities, youth and we delivered it. While we made a single promise BJP brought out a slogan ‘India Shining’ in English. When asked about the origin of the slogan their senior leader said that they picked it from a Television advertisement. BJP was in power for five years. They never went to the villages, never talked to you or tried to realise your difficulties; but blindly believed that India was shining,” added the Congress General Secretary.
“Without going to the people, we cannot understand their problems. Congress believes in this principle and our political activities are based on this belief. When I go to people and interact with them, they call me a mad” said Rahul Gandhi.
He also explained the various welfare schemes brought about by the Congress-led UPA government at the centre. Rahul Gandhi claimed that the Congress government gave the right for job through MNREGA, Right to Information, Right of Education and also said that it now is in the process of legislation of the Right to Food which ensures that every poor family gets 35 Kg of food-grain.
“When we came to you, you had told us that there are no sufficient jobs available in villages. When we realized this problem we introduced MNREGA to guarantee jobs for all. We ensured that every poor will get minimum of 100 days of work at a daily wages of Rs. 120/-.” he said.
Rahul Gandhi continued “We again came to you. Then the farmers told us that they face hardship as the doors of the banks are closed for them. We immediately took remedial measures in this regard and opened the doors of the banks for them. Further, we framed a policy to waive off loans worth Rs. 60000 crores to help the farmers.”
Once again taking a jab at BJP Rahul Gandhi said “When we talk about the rights of the people and frame policies for the poor BJP asks us from where we will have the money for the schemes”. He then continued “Let me ask them a question. Why this country is developing? The country has been surging ahead because of the hard work of the poor, farmers and labourers. When our country developed, the Government received money. This is the money of your sweat and blood. If the country is progressing it is because of your efforts, blood and sweat,” said Rahul Gandhi. “We do only one thing. We ensure that the money we received from you reaches back to you. We send thousands of crores of rupees to the states for its progress and development,” he asserted.
“BJP does not ask from where the money is when it loots the funds sent by the Centre meant for the poor. But when we talk about your rights and bring in policies for the welfare of the common man, it asks this question” commented Rahul Gandhi.
Taking on BJP Rahul Gandhi continued “When elections are just three months away, BJP removed Khandoori. Now, BJP here says Uttarakhand needs Khanduri. If it needs Khanduri, why did it remove him earlier?” asked Rahul Gandhi.
“Three months period has got a significant role at present. In Uttarakhand BJP removed its Chief Minister three months before elections. Three months before elections Mayawati in Uttar Pradesh removed about 20 ministers on corruption charges. But where did the sacked Minister Kushwaha go? “ he asked and the crowd roared by saying “BJP”.
The Congress General Secretary further said that the Uttarakhand government thinks only in terms of usurping money sanctioned by the Central Government for various projects. “There are cases of mining scam and scam in the power sector” he said. The BJP only talks but we believe in action.” added Rahul Gandhi.
Once again referring LK Advani’s rath yatra Rahul Gandhi added “When the corruption cases were brought out in Karnataka, BJP never undertook any yatra. They did not see the corruption in Gujarat, Uttarakhand, Chhattisgarh or Madhya Pradesh. When Mayawati removed her corrupt minister Kushwaha, BJP happily inducted him. Kushwaha had approached Congress too, but we refused to accept him” said Rahul Gandhi. “Whenever we notice corruption, we take immediate action” he argued. “
“The people of the 21st Century are intelligent enough. BJP first talked about shining India. Now it talks loudly about curbing corruption but their own people are indulged in the corrupt practices. People have the intelligence to understand this double standard of BJP”, he commented.
“There are shortcomings in the political system, I agree” admitted Rahul Gandhi but added that we should try to rectify it. “Whenever we notice any such deficiencies, we try to rectify it. We did it in NSUI and Youth Congress also” claimed Rahul Gandhi.
“We could make changes in the functioning of NSUI and Youth Congress not by taking yatras but by conscious efforts. Positive changes can be brought only through hard work and not through yatras. ” he added.
The Congress General Secretary said that the need of the hour is to bring a government that has a long term perspective. “Now the time has come to remove the present BJP Government. You have a Government of aam aadmi in Delhi. Let us have a similar one in Uttarakhand too. Congress designs policies with a long term vision” he said.
Introducing the assembly candidate to the crowd Rahul Gandhi said “Here you have a young candidate of Congress. I have asked him to go to the people and sincerely work for their benefits. I have warned him that If I notice any allegation of corruption, that will be the end of his political career”.
“We do not make hollow promises. We only promise a Government that works for the poor, aam aadmi, dalit, labourers, farmers, downtrodden, minorities and we will deliver it. Vote and elect a Congress Government in Uttarakhand” concluded Rahul Gandhi.
Rishikesh (Uttarakhand). Addressing a huge rally in Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, as part of the election campaign Congress General Secretary Rahul Gandhi took on the corrupt BJP Government in Uttarakhand. Rahul Gandhi questioned BJP for its double-speak on corruption by saying that BJP, which talks high about curbing corruption, killed the constitutional Lokpal Bill of the Congress-led UPA introduced in the Parliament.
“We brought the constitutional Lokpal Bill in the Parliament with an intention to curb corruption. But the BJP which talks loudly in public against corruption blocked its passage and actually killed the bill. They alleged that the Constitutional status to the Lokpal, like the Election Commission of India, is the dream of Rahul Gandhi, Sonia Gandhi and Manmohan Singh” said Rahul Gandhi and asserted that such a dream is the dream of the entire youth of the country.
“Their senior leader undertook a yatra against corruption. They did not see the corruption of Reddy’s in Karnataka or the graft in Gujarat, Uttarakhand or Madhya Pradesh. When Mayawati removed her corrupt minister Kushwaha, BJP happily inducted him immediately. The leader who undertook the yatra did not see this. Whenever we notice corruption, we take immediate actions. Some of our ministers are in jail now” he argued referring BJP leader LK Advani’s rath yatra. “Now, BJP here says Uttarakhand needs Khanduri. If they need Khanduri, why did it remove him earlier? The BJP needs him to cover up the corruption” alleged Rahul Gandhi.
“In 2004 you gave mandate for a pro-poor Congress Government in Delhi. We had given only a single promise that a government of aam aadmi which works for poor, farmers, labourers, minorities, youth, underprivileged and we delivered it. While we made a single promise BJP brought out a slogan ‘India Shining’ in English. When asked about the origin of the slogan their senior leader said that they picked it from a Television advertisement. BJP was in power for five years. They never went to the villages, they did not come to your hilly areas, did not talk to you, never tried to find out your difficulties; but blindly believed that India was shining. BJP frame slogan watching the TV but we do not follow this policy. We believe in talking to the people directly,” added the Congress General Secretary.
He spoke at length of the various changes brought about by the Congress-led UPA government at the centre. Rahul Gandhi informed that the Congress government gave the right for job through MNREGA, Right to Information, Right of Education and also said that it now is in the process of legislation of the Right to Food which ensures that every poor family gets 35 Kg of food-grain.
“Who made the biggest employment generation program MNREGA?” he asked the crowd and the crowd responded with ‘Congress’. “In fact it was you who made this policy as you only had told us that there are no sufficient jobs available in villages and hilly areas. We came to know about this problem as we came to you, talked to you and enquired about your issues. We did not get the information from TV” continued Rahul Gandhi.
“When we realized this problem we introduced MNREGA to guarantee jobs for all. We ensured that every poor will get minimum of 100 days of work at a daily wages of Rs. 120/-. All the poor in the country are now guaranteed to get a job if they want and this policy benefitted crores of people,” he claimed.
To stress that Congress frames policies after going to the people Rahul Gandhi continued “We again came to you. Then the farmers told us that they face hardship as the doors of the banks are closed for them. We immediately took remedial measures in this regard and opened the doors of the banks for them. Further, we framed a policy of to waive off loans worth Rs. 60000 crores to help the farmers.”
“Why do we make such schemes?” he asked and quipped “we come to you to realise your pain. We gather information not from the TV but directly from the people. We know that no one can provide us the knowledge that we get from the poor, labourers and farmers.”
Once again taking a dig at BJP Rahul Gandhi said “When we talk about the rights of the people and frame policies for the poor BJP asks us from where we will have the money for the schemes. We showed them from where the money will come” he informed. “This is the money of your sweat and blood. This money is the result of hard work of your farmers and labourers. If the country is developing it is because of your efforts, blood and sweat,” said Rahul Gandhi amidst applauds. “We do only one thing. We ensure that the money we received from you reaches back to you,” he asserted.
“BJP does not ask from where the money is when it loots the funds sent by the Centre meant for the poor in the past five years. But when we talk about your rights and bring in policies for the welfare of the common man, they ask this question” commented Rahul Gandhi.
The Congress General Secretary further said that the Uttarakhand government thinks only in terms of usurping money sanctioned by the Central Government for various projects. “They sold the name of Lord Ram and also misused the funds for the Kumbh Mela. There are cases of mining scam and scam in the power sector here apart from the Kumbh Scam ” he said. The BJP talks about corruption. But we believe in action. We do not believe in mere talks instead we deliver,” added Rahul Gandhi.
Arguing that the present day government was only concerned about plundering funds rather than thinking about the development and future of the state and the people the Congress General Secretary said that the need of the hour is to bring a government that has a pro-poor perspective.
“Now the time has come to remove the present BJP Government. You have a Government of aam aadmi in Delhi. Let us have a similar one in Uttarakhand too. Central Government sends funds whatever the state asks for but at present the funds are not reaching you.” said the Congress youth leader. “You can change this situation by changing the system. Vote and elect a Congress Government. Support the Congress candidates for a better Uttarakhand” concluded Rahul Gandhi.
Almora (Uttarakhand). Congress President and UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi while addressing a public rally in Almora, Uttarakhand where assembly polls are round the corner, lashed out at the BJP Government in the state for the rampant corruption and lack of development in the state. Sonia Gandhi started her address by recalling the relation of the great personalities like Swami Vivekanand, Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru with Almora.
She said, “I am happy to be here in the culturally rich Almora in Uttarakhand. The great personalities like Swami Vivekanand, Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru had good relation with this historic place. Nehru Ji spent a valuable period of his life in the Alomora jail during the freedom struggle movement. Nehru Ji and our family have a long time relationship with Almora. This land is the birthplace of the great poet Sumitranandan Pant. I take this opportunity to pay my humble respects to that great poet.
The UPA government at the centre has framed policies for education, health, infrastructure, electricity and water but the expected results are not seen in Uttarakhand. I am sad to see that the policies made to ensure better living conditions for the poor and common man in the country are not being implemented in Uttrakhand properly. The Congress led UPA at the centre is committed to serve the poor and underprivileged. Congress party has been making policies for the welfare of the entire people. We send huge amounts of funds also to the state under various schemes. But the government in Uttarakhand doesn’t care to implement these welfare policies properly. It could not effectively utilize the funds sent by the Centre under the Mahatma Gandhi NREGA policy by which every poor is ensured with a minimum of 100 days of job at a daily wages of Rs. 100.
The UPA framed policies like Jawahar Lal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission, National Rural Health Mission to provide adequate health facilities for the poor, Sarva Siksha Abhiyan to ensure that every children in the age group of 6 to 14 get proper education, Mid-day meal scheme to ensure food to every children in the schools and Gram Sadak Yojana all aiming the benefits of the people. Now we are ready with the food Security Bill to make sure that no one in the country lives in hunger. But the government here in Uttarakhand is not serious to implement these policies in the required manner.
Through its discriminatory policies, the BJP government is creating a wedge between the plains and the hilly areas of the state.
Rajiv Gandhi Electrification Scheme is the policy of UPA to provide electricity at every place in the state. Though BJP had promised electricity at all the villages in the state, nothing has happened in Uttarakhand in this regard as yet. Only 13% of the total electricity is being made available to the hilly districts. BJP Government may be thinking that the people in hilly areas do not need electricity and they will manage with sun and moon. The people from the hill stations are fleeing for the want of jobs.
The farmers are in utter distress. Women were completely ignored. The Congress-led UPA Government at the Centre also has made policies for the minorities and the backward people. Even these policies are not being implemented here and so these sections of people are also not happy with the state Government. The vacancies meant for the SC/ST are being filled with the people connected with the BJP. The dalits and adivasis in the state are also facing a lot of hardship. Rampant corruption is seen across the state. BJP leaders do talk a lot about curbing corruption, but you know what is happening in the states run by it. They had to change many chief ministers because of corruption. When the cases of corruption were exposed, they changed their Chief Minister in Uttarakhand too. New industrial units were not set up. And those which were already set up are being destroyed. They are not serious for development. They ignored the difficulties and problems of the people in Uttarakhand. They work for the benefits of their own people and own party during their entire regime.
But our Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Ji always concerned about Uttarakhand and its development. We sent thousands of crores of rupees for the development of Uttarakhand. But you please ask BJP where those funds are gone.
It was the Congress grovernment that brought about the developments in the state. Even today only those development works can be seen in Uttarakhand. The IIT, IIM, Central universities, AIIMS at Rishikesh, different management institutes, all brought by the Congress and we have recently laid the foundation stone for the Rishikesh-Karna Prayag railway line. This line will help to connect Rishikesh, Karnaprayag, Rudraprayag and Srinagar. A lot of other developments works are also in process.
When the Congress was in power we had planned for a Medical College like hospital with all the modern facilities in Alomora. But BJP Government did not take step further for its implementation. We are planning to bring in more policies and steps for the development of your state and are mentioned in our election manifesto. Several agricultural projects, agricultural research centres, ensure adequate seed production, genetic farming in 2,000 villages, a training institute in Ranikhet, health insurance scheme for poor children and employment generation programmes for the youth are some among these. We also plan to connect all important district head offices to be connected by the National Highway. Like the one-rank pension scheme for the ex-service men and the contributory health schemes for the ex-servicemen designed by the UPA Government, we plan to frame policies for your soldiers working in the borders of our country too. But all these policies could be implemented in Uttarakhand only if we have a government that works with honesty, sincerity, commitment and dedication. Only one party can provide such a government and that is the Congress party. We do not make hollow promises. We deliver what we promise.
I therefore request you to support the Congress and elect a Congress Government in Uttarakhand. I also request you to play an important role for the progress of this beautiful state by ensuring every single vote for the Congress”.
Duddhi, Sonbhadra (Uttar Pradesh). On the last day of the fifth phase of his campaign for Congress for the upcoming assembly polls in Uttar Pradesh All India congress Committee (AICC) General Secretary Rahul Gandhi urged the people of Uttar Pradesh that the time has now come to free the state from the clutches of Elephant and Cycle. Addressing a public rally in Duddhi, Sonbhadra in Uttar Pradesh Rahul Gandhi promised that a Congress Government will ensure the rights of adivasis, farmers, dalits, minorities and aam aadmi in Uttar Pradesh.
He reminded the gathering of the Congress promise of Government of aam admi. “During the campaign for the Lok Sabha elections in 2004 while other parties made a number of hollow promises Congress had only promised a government of aam aadmi that works for poor, farmers, minorities, dalits and adivasis and we delivered it, reminded Rahul Gandhi.
“The BJP brought out a slogan India Shining. When asked about the origin of the slogan their senior leader said that they picked it from a television advertisement. They did not go to people, talked to them or enquired about their problems, still believed blindly that India was shining.”
“But we came to you, talked to you and enquired about your difficulties. You told us that there are no sufficient jobs available for the poor in the villages. So the first thing we did was to design the biggest employment guarantee scheme Mahatma Gandhi NREGA, to guarantee jobs for all. By this biggest employment generation scheme poor are assured of jobs if they intend to work. Every poor is assured of 100 days of work at a daily wages of Rs 120 thus amounting to Rs 12,000 a year,” said Rahul Gandhi. “Mayawati Ji said publically that MNREGA will not the people of UP. Ask people in Kerala, Maharashtra, Haryana, Delhi or Assam and everyone will vouch for the benefit of the policy,” he averred.
“When we made this MNREGA policy, the BJP and NDA asked from where we can have money for the scheme,” informed Rahul Gandhi and added “When we make policies for the poor or aam aadmi, the opposition and Mayawati Ji ask a number of questions. But if we bring any policies for the benefit of rich and elite, they keep mum. “We showed them from where the money will come” he claimed. “This is the money of your sweat and blood. This money is the result of hard work of farmers and labourers from UP in Maharashtra, Delhi, Haryana and Punjab. If the country is developing it is because of your efforts, your blood and sweat,” said Rahul Gandhi amidst applauds. “We do only one thing. We ensure that the money we received from you reaches back to you,” he claimed.
The Adivasis came to us and shared their problems with us, said Rahul Gandhi. “The Central Government brought in a bill for Adivasis to grant them right in their own land” he said. “Did you get any benefit? Nobody”, he quipped.
Rahul Gandhi then referred the farmers’ issues and said “Then we came to know about the difficulties of the farmers. They told us that the doors of the banks are open only for the rich. So we immediately took steps to open the doors for the poor farmers. Further, the UPA Government approved a loan-waive off policy for them worth Rs. 60000 crore.”
“We did not realize these issues from the TV. We came to you and you told us about your hardship” commented Rahul Gandhi.
“But Mayawati Ji calls all these policies a drama. We gave the right to job for the poor, but for her it is a drama. There is only one drama being enacted in Uttar Pradesh that the magic elephant of Mayawati in Lucknow gobbles up funds for the people. It consumes the money of your sweat and blood” said Rahul Gandhi sarcastically. “We talk about right to job, rights of Adivasis and inclusive development. Now we are going to bring in one more beneficial scheme, food security bill. The bill ensures 35 kg of food grain to all the deserving families. But Mayawati Ji calls it a drama. What drama she is talking about? Opposition parties ask from where we will have the money,” he wondered.
“Now elections are here. Both Cycle and Elephant will now come to you with a lot of promises. They never came to you in the past five years,” he reminded. “Now SP says about umeed ki cycle. What umeed they are talking about? You trusted the Cycle for three times, but it punctured your future. Mayawati Ji was your Chief Minister four times. What did you get?” asked Rahul Gandhi.
“For 22 years these parties cheated you. Your people go to Maharashtra, Delhi, Haryana and Punjab and contribute for development there. When all other states are surging ahead, Uttar Pradesh slips backwards” he argued.
“We send crores of rupees for the benefits of adivasis, poor, farmers and labourers but that money is being looted in Lucknow. The responsibility of a Government is to serve the people. But here in U.P the Government is busy in looting public funds. Definitely we should change these state of affairs” said Rahul Gandhi.
“We, the Congress, want to fight for the rights for Adivasis, dalits, minorities, farmers and labourers. But here on one side there is Cycle and other side is the Elephant. Now this is the time to throw them out” he declared.
“The moment you have a Congress Government in Uttar Pradesh, you will again start witnessing developments in five years and in ten years you will not be able to recognize your own state. We assure that Uttar Pradesh also will surge ahead like other Congress ruled states in the country. So support Congress and elect a Congress Government,” concluded Rahul Gandhi.
Star News Agency
Banda (Uttar Pradesh). On the fourth day of the fifth phase of his campaign for Congress for the upcoming assembly polls in Uttar Pradesh All India congress Committee (AICC) General Secretary Rahul Gandhi said that the people of U.P cannot trust BJP, SP or BSP as they betrayed the people of Uttar Pradesh in the past 22 years. Addressing a public rally in Banda in Uttar Pradesh the Congress General Secretary said that two decades of misrule by these non-Congress Governments in U.P dragged the state backwards. Rahul Gandhi asserted that the state needs a government that works for all caste, religion, poor, minorities, dalits and adivasis and only Congress can provide it.
He reminded the gathering of the Congress promise of government of aam admi. “During the campaign for the Lok Sabha elections in 2004 while other parties made a number of hollow promises Congress had only promised a government of aam aadmi that works for poor, farmers, minorities, dalits and adivasis and we delivered it, said Rahul Gandhi and added “We want every citizen, people from every caste, creed and religion, to be a part in the process of development.”
“But the BJP and NDA brought out a slogan India Shining. When asked about the origin of the slogan their senior leader said that they picked it from a television advertisement. They did not go to people, talked to them or enquired about their problems. There were no proper roads, electricity or sufficient water, still believed blindly that India was shining” he argued and then asked “Was India shining then? Were your villages shining?” and the crowd responded loudly with big no.”
“But what did we do? We came to you, talked to you and enquired about your difficulties. You told us that there are no sufficient jobs available in the villages. So the first thing we did was to implement MNREGA, the biggest employment guarantee scheme, to guarantee jobs for all. By this biggest employment generation scheme poor are assured of jobs if they intend to work. Every poor is assured of 100 days of work at a daily wages of Rs 120 thus amounting to Rs 12,000 a year,” said Rahul Gandhi on UPA’s Mahatma Gandhi NREGA policy.
Taking a jab at Mayawati he continued, “Mayawati Ji says that MNREGA has no benefit for the people of UP. Ask people in Kerala, Maharashtra, Haryana, Delhi or Assam, wherever Congress is in power, and everyone will vouch for the benefit of the policy. They will admit that they could get job as well as self respect. But Mayawati says that it is a drama,” he averred. “She is right in one way. No poor, labourers or farmers were benefitted by the MNREGA policy in U.P. Only BSP ministers, its leaders and the magic elephant of Mayawati in Lucknow were benefitted. Her elephant in Lucknow gobbles up the funds meant for the poor, instead of grass and leaves” Rahul Gandhi told to the cheering crowd.
“When we made this policy, the BJP asked us inside the Parliament from where we can have money for the scheme,” informed Rahul Gandhi. “This is the money of your sweat and blood. This money is the result of hard work of farmers and labourers from UP in Maharashtra, Delhi, Haryana and Punjab. If the country is developing it is because of your efforts, your blood and sweat,” said Rahul Gandhi amidst applauds. “We do only one thing. We ensure that the money we received from you reaches back to you,” he claimed.
“After this flag ship program we came to know that farmers face a lot of hardship. So we drafted a policy to waiving off the loan of the farmers worth Rs. 60000 crore. We opened the doors of banks for them. Mayawati again called it a drama. What drama she is talking about” wondered the Congress General Secretary.
“When Bundelkhand was crying for a relief because of the acute drought, no one from BSP went there. They were busy looting the public funds. But we went there. We led a delegation to the Prime Minister and he immediately sanctioned a relief package for Bundelkhand” informed Rahul Gandhi. “Did you get anything? Did any farmers, labourers, poor people get any benefit?” he asked and continued “No. Those funds too were looted by the Mayawati’s ministers”.
“On one side there is elephant, and the other side Cycle. Uttar Pradesh is crushed between these two” commented Rahul Gandhi. Taking on the Samajwadi Party he said “Now SP is portraying umeed ki Cycle. What trust they are talking about? You trusted the Cycle three times. Mulayam Singh Yadav was your Chief Minister for three terms. You know very well what was happening under his regime? There was a scam in the appointment of police personnel. Criminal were posted in the police department. It was rampant goondaraj then. No one was able to file a FIR under their regime,” he said.
“Mulayam Singh Yadav talks about minorities, but does nothing. It was the Congress which implemented the recommendations of Sachhar Commission report. We sent crores of rupees to U.P. Did it reach you?” he asked and the crowd again responded with a roaring no.
“When we decided on reservation for minorities, Mayawati Ji immediately said that she had written to the Prime Minister. What was the need of writing to the PM? She is the Chief Minister and what was she doing all these days? When Mulayam Singh was asked by the media persons regarding the issue of reservation, he did not utter a word. He just kept mum. When we, the Congress, implemented the reservation, he says that it is inadequate” he said and asked “If it is inadequate, why Mulayam Ji did not do anything when he was in power? Why there is no any such promise in their election manifesto?”
“When elections come, they come to you and make a lot of promises but forget those after that. But we, the Congress, will give you only one promise; a government of aam aadmi. We once promised this in 2004 and delivered it. We will fulfill it in U.P too” assured Rahul Gandhi.
Kulpahar, Mahoba (Uttar Pradesh). On the third day of the fifth phase of his campaign for Congress for the upcoming assembly polls in Uttar Pradesh All India congress Committee (AICC) General Secretary Rahul Gandhi fired a fresh salvo at BJP by questioning the sudden entry of BJP leader Uma Bharti into U.P’s electoral politics.“Now BJP has imported a leader from Madhya Pradesh in Uttar Pradesh. She was the Chief Minister in Madhya Pradesh and was made to flee from there. Where was she when the people of drought-hit Bundelkhand were crying for relief? Where was she when we were putting our efforts to get a relief package sanctioned for Bundelkhand? She was nowhere in Uttar Pradesh when the people of U.P needed help” said the Congress General Secretary without naming Uma Bharti. Rahul Gandhi also questioned the 2004 slogan of BJP ‘India shining’.
While addressing a rally in Kulpahar in the Mahoba District of Uttar Pradesh the Congress General Secretary said that the state of Uttar Pradesh is caught between the punctured Cycle and the magic elephant which eats currency notes. Rahul Gandhi blamed the 22 years misrule by the non-Congress Governments in UP which dragged the state backwards. Rahul Gandhi asserted that the state needs a government that works for all caste, religion, aam aadmi, poor, minorities, dalits and adivasis and only Congress can provide it.
“During the campaign for the Lok Sabha elections in 2004 while other parties made a number of hollow promises Congress had only promised a government of aam aadmi that works for poor, farmers, minorities, dalits and adivasis and we delivered it”, reminded Rahul Gandhi.
“The opposition, BJP and NDA, brought out a slogan India Shining. When asked about the origin of the slogan their senior leader said that they picked it from a television advertisement. They did not go to people, talked to them or enquired about their problems. They did not come to the drought-hit Bundelkhand, still believed blindly that India was shining. They did not fulfill any of their promises. They talked about terrorism, but did nothing. They never talked about poverty. There is only one party in the Country which is concerned about poverty and that is the Congress” he underlined.”
“What did we do first? We implemented MNREGA, the biggest employment guarantee scheme, to guarantee jobs for all. How did we know about the problem of unemployment? Not from the TV, but from the people directly as we came to you, talked to you and enquired about the difficulties being faced by you” said Rahul Gandhi and continued “By this biggest employment generation scheme poor are assured of jobs if they intend to work. Every poor is assured of 100 days of work at a daily wages of Rs 120 thus amounting to Rs 12,000 a year”.
He then took on Mayawati and said, “But your Chief Minister Mayawati says that MNREGA has no benefit for the people of UP. Ask people in Kerala, Maharashtra, Haryana, Delhi or Assam and everyone will vouch for the benefit of the policy. The poor people even in the remote villages will admit that for the first time they could secure jobs, earn respect and the feeling that a Government helped them. But Mayawati Ji says that there is no benefit. Yes, it is a fact that the people of U.P were not benefitted by MGNREGA, but the magic elephant of Mayawati, which eats currency notes instead of leaves and grass was benefitted”.
“When we made this MNREGA policy, the party which brought out ‘India shining’ slogan asked from where we can have money for the scheme,” informed Rahul Gandhi. “This is the money of your sweat and blood. This money is the result of hard work of farmers and labourers from UP in Maharashtra, Delhi, Haryana and Punjab. If the country is developing it is because of your efforts, your blood and sweat,” said Rahul Gandhi amidst applauds. “We do only one thing. We ensure that the money we received from you reaches back to you,” he claimed.
Rahul Gandhi did not spare SP either. “Other side we see umeed ki Cycle (The cycle of hope). The same Cycle was punctured for three times in Uttar Pradesh. They posted criminals in the Police department under their regime. They did not implement MNREGA scheme properly, and now, when elections are round the corner, they promise unemployment allowance. We talk about jobs, SP talks about berozgari bhatta. How can we trust them again?”
Referring Bundelkhand package he informed that Rs. 8000 cr relief package was sanctioned by the Centre for the region. “Did you get anything? Did you get your wells built?” he asked and the crowd answered with a big no. “The minister’s children got tractors“, he commented.
“All these parties BJP, SP and BSP promised a lot but did nothing for the development in the past 22 years. Now they promise again that they will bring changes in Uttar Pradesh” he wondered. He then asked a volley of questions. “Who implemented MNREGA? Who brought the policy of waiving of loans for the farmers? Who opened the doors of the banks for the farmers?” he asked and continued “We, the Congress, brought in all these policies. We gave you right to education, implemented Janani Suraksha Yojana, Prime Minister Gram Sadak Yojana, National Highway policy, relief packages for Bundelkhand and Bunkars and now we are going to bring in right to food to ensure food to all”.
He then challenged the non-Congress Governments “Tell me one policy which was implemented by other parties for the benefit of the people. What did these parties do in the past 22 years? They did nothing but hollow promises”.
“You cannot understand the problems of the people till you go to them and interact with them” reiterated Rahul Gandhi and asked “Did Mayawati Ji or Mulayam Ji come to you in the past five years? Did they ever share your meals or drink water from your wells? And the cheering crowd responded with a roaring no.
“Now we will have to change Uttar Pradesh. I am sure the youth in U.P has already decided that. We will together work for bringing in positive changes in Uttar Pradesh. For the past 22 years other parties talked only about caste and religion. They make a number of promises but deliver nothing. But we will give you only one promise. Give Congress a chance, we will develop Uttar Pradesh” assured Rahul Gandhi.
“So have faith in yourself. Trust Congress. Support and elect Congress candidates. We will work together for better development in Uttar Pradesh” concluded Rahul Gandhi.
Rath, Hamirpur (Uttar Pradesh). On the second day of the fifth phase of his campaign for Congress for the upcoming assembly polls in Uttar Pradesh All India congress Committee (AICC) General Secretary Rahul Gandhi said while addressing a public rally at Rath in Hamirpur district of Uttar Pradesh, that because of the intention of Congress is clear it does not make hollow promises like other political parties. The Congress General Secretary said that the 22 years misrule of the non-Congress Governments in U.P dragged the country backwards. Rahul Gandhi added that the state needs a government that works for all caste, religion, aam aadmi, poor, minorities, dalits and adivasis and only Congress can provide it.
“During the campaign for the Lok Sabha elections in 2004 while other parties made a number of hollow promises Congress had only promised a government of aam aadmi that works for poor, farmers, minorities, dalits and adivasis and we delivered it, reminded Rahul Gandhi and added “We want every citizen, people from every caste, creed and religion, to be a part in the process of development”.
Once again taking a dig at BJP he said “But the opposition BJP and NDA brought out a slogan ‘India Shining’. When asked about the origin of the slogan their senior leader said that they picked it from a television advertisement. They would not have coined this slogan, had they visited the people, talk to them, enquire about their issues or experience the difficulties in Bundelkhand. Without realizing the reality they believed blindly that India was shining. Our intention is clear and we therefore made only one promise. The people with dubious intention only can make heap of promises”.
“The first thing we did was to implement MNREGA, the biggest employment guarantee scheme, to guarantee jobs for all. We drafted this policy as we came to you, talked to you and you told us that there were no jobs available in the villages. By this biggest employment generation scheme poor are assured of jobs if they intend to work. Every poor is assured of 100 days of work at a daily wages of Rs. 120/- thus amounting to Rs. 12000/- a year,” said Rahul Gandhi on UPA’s Mahatma Gandhi NREGA policy. “But Mayawati says that there is no benefit for the people of U.P by the MNREGA. You may ask people of the Congress ruled states like Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Haryana, Delhi, Mizoram or Assam and everyone will vouch for the benefit of the policy.”
“When we made this policy, the BJP and NDA asked from where we can have money for the scheme,” informed Rahul Gandhi. “This is the money of your sweat and blood. This money is the result of hard work of farmers and labourers from UP in Maharashtra, Delhi, Haryana and Punjab. If the country is developing it is because of your efforts, your blood and sweat,” said Rahul Gandhi amidst applauds. “We do only one thing. We return the money received from you” he claimed.
On Bundelkhand package Rahul Gandhi said “I had personally requested Chief Minister Mayawati Ji to visit drought-hit Bundelkhand to find a solution to the affected people. She did not go. I went there and talked to the people there. They complained that the U.P Government is not listening to their grievances. We took up the issue with the Prime Minister and he without any delay approved a relief package,” he informed the crowd and the people acknowledged it with huge applaud. “We try to help the poor and your Chief Minister calls it a drama” he blamed.
“The moment you have a Congress Government in Uttar Pradesh, you will start witnessing developments again. I want the entire country to look at Uttar Pradesh and marvel at the developments in the state. You have a government of aam aadmi at Delhi. Now let us bring such a government in UP too. Give Congress a chance. You will see positive changes in U.P,” concluded Rahul Gandhi.
Orai, Jalaun (Uttar Pradesh). On the second day of the fifth phase of his campaign for Congress for the upcoming assembly polls in Uttar Pradesh All India congress Committee (AICC) General Secretary Rahul Gandhi assured that he will not leave the state till he ensures that positive changes are made in Uttar Pradesh. “Elections will come and go, but I am here to ensure that positive changes are made in U.P and I will not leave the state till then” he declared. Addressing a mammoth rally in Orai in Jalaun district, the Congress General Secretary said that the 22 years misrule of the non-Congress Governments in U.P dragged the country backwards. Rahul Gandhi added that the state needs a government that works for all caste, religion, aam aadmi, poor, minorities, dalits and adivasis and only Congress can provide it.
“During the campaign for the Lok Sabha elections in 2004 while other parties made a number of hollow promises Congress had only promised a government of aam aadmi that works for poor, farmers, minorities, dalits and adivasis and we delivered it, reminded Rahul Gandhi and added “We want every citizen, people from every caste, creed and religion, to be a part in the process of development”.
Once again taking a dig at BJP he said “But the opposition BJP and NDA brought out a slogan ‘India Shining’. When asked about the origin of the slogan their senior leader said that they picked it from a television advertisement. They did not go to people, talk to them or enquire about their problems. They did not come to the drought-hit Bundelkhand, still believed blindly that India was shining.”
“The first thing we did was to implement MNREGA, the biggest employment guarantee scheme, to guarantee jobs for all. By this biggest employment generation scheme poor are assured of jobs if they intend to work. Every poor is assured of 100 days of work at a daily wages of Rs. 120/- thus amounting to Rs. 12000/- a year,” said Rahul Gandhi on UPA’s Mahatma Gandhi NREGA policy. Taking a jab at Mayawati he continued, “But Mayawati says that there is no benefit for the people of U.P by the MNREGA. You may ask people in Kerala, Maharashtra, Haryana, Delhi or Assam and everyone will vouch for the benefit of the policy.”
“When we made this MNREGA policy, the BJP and NDA asked from where we can have money for the scheme,” informed Rahul Gandhi. “This is the money of your sweat and blood. This money is the result of hard work of farmers and labourers from UP in Maharashtra, Delhi, Haryana and Punjab. If the country is developing it is because of your efforts, your blood and sweat,” said Rahul Gandhi amidst applauds. “We do only one thing. We return the money received from you” he claimed.
“We want that no one in our country lives in hunger. We want every family should have enough food to live. This is the intention behind the Food Security Bill and we are ready with it. But your Chief Minister Mayawati Ji calls it a drama” alleged the Congress M.P from Amethi.
“But there is only drama in Uttar Pradesh, and that is the magic elephant in Lucknow which eats currency notes and funds for the poor instead of grass and leaves” Rahul Gandhi conveyed to the cheering crowd.
“For the past 22 years you have been caught between Cycle and elephant that ruined the state of Uttar Pradesh by promoting the caste based politics” said Rahul Gandhi and added “We want a Government which works for all sections of the people and not for caste and religion”.
On Bundelkhand package Rahul Gandhi said “I had personally requested Chief Minister Mayawati Ji to visit drought-hit Bundelkhand to find a solution to the affected people. She did not go. I went there and talked to the people there. They complained that the U.P Government is not listening to their grievances. We took up the issue with the Prime Minister and he without any delay approved a relief package,” he informed the crowd and the people acknowledged it with huge applaud. “We try to help the poor and your Chief Minister calls it a drama” he blamed.
“Either the SP or BSP do not talk about your rights. But we talk about the right to food, right to education and right to job. Now SP is talking about the allowance for the unemployed people, a policy already been implemented by us. They want to take the credit of the works done by the Congress” asserted Rahul Gandhi. “These parties did not bother about the Bunkars too in U.P. But we did help them with a relief package including the waiving of loans,” he claimed.
Detailing the UPA policies he said “It was Congress which implemented recommendations of Sachhar Commission report. When we first talked about the reservation for the minorities, Mayawati Ji wrote to the PM seeking for reservation. What was she doing in the last five years? It was Congress which worked for National Highway, helped Bunkars, redrafted the Land-acquisition Bill for the benefits of farmers”.
“Your people go to Maharashtra, Delhi, Haryana and Punjab and contribute for development there. When all other states are surging ahead, Uttar Pradesh slips backwards. Both ‘elephant’ and ‘Cycle’ come to you only during the elections time. For three times you elected the ‘Cycle’. Did you get anything?” asked Rahul Gandhi and the crowd answered with a roaring no. “These parties looted the funds meant for the poor. Rampant corruption is seen across the state. Now this is the time to change” said Rahul Gandhi.
“When I go to the people and interact with them, they call it a drama. Then why did not they go to the people? I go to the people to know their problems. I want to bring in positive changes in the state. I want to change the state with the help of the youth” he declared.
“Where were these parties when entire Bundelkhand was weeping? Where were they when the farmers in Bhatta-Parsaul were assaulted? He asked and quipped “They roam around in helicopters and travel by big vehicles and are unaware of the reality”.
“The moment you have a Congress Government in Uttar Pradesh, you will start witnessing developments again. I want the entire country to look at Uttar Pradesh and marvel at the developments in the state. You have a government of aam aadmi at Delhi. Now let us bring such a government in UP too. Give Congress a chance. You will see positive changes in U.P,” concluded Rahul Gandhi.
Lalitpur (Uttar Pradesh). Kick-starting the fifth phase of his campaign for Congress for the upcoming assembly elections in Uttar Pradesh All India congress Committee (AICC) General Secretary Rahul Gandhi said that the non-Congress parties who ruled the state for the past 22 years put full stop on development in Uttar Pradesh. Addressing a public rally at Lalitpur in Uttar Pradesh the Congress General Secretary said that the present BSP Government in U.P ignored the plight of the poor and looted the funds sent by the Central Government. Rahul Gandhi added that the state needs a government that works for all caste, religion, aam aadmi, poor, minorities, dalits and adivasis and only Congress can provide it.
Rahul Gandhi reminded that in 2004 people gave a mandate to the Congress. “During the campaign for the Lok Sabha elections in 2004 while other parties made a number of hollow promises Congress had only promised a government of aam aadmi that works for poor, farmers, minorities, dalits and adivasis and we delivered it. “We want every citizen, people from every caste, creed and religion, to be a part in the process of development”.
“But the opposition NDA brought out a slogan ‘India Shining’. When those who had made the slogan were asked about its origin they said that they saw it in a television advertisement. They did not go to people, talk to them or enquire about their problems. They did not come to the drought-hit Bundelkhand. Still believed blindly that India was shining,” he alleged. “India cannot shine without proper electricity, sufficient water or adequate jobs.” said Rahul Gandhi and added that proper thought process is required before finalizing a slogan.
“But we came to you and enquired about your problems. You told that no jobs are available in the villages. So the first thing we did was to implement MNREGA, the biggest employment guarantee scheme, to guarantee jobs for all. By this biggest employment generation scheme poor are assured of jobs if they intend to work,” said Rahul Gandhi on UPA’s Mahatma Gandhi NREGA policy.
Taking a jab at Mayawati he continued, “But Mayawati says that there is no benefit for the people of U.P by the NREGA policy. You may ask people in Kerala, Maharashtra, Haryana, Delhi or Assam. Everyone will vouch for the benefit of the NREGA policy. They will admit that they could get jobs, respect and for the first time they felt that a Government extended its helping hand to them”.
Referring Bundelkhand Rahul Gandhi said “I had personally requested Chief Minister Mayawati Ji to visit drought-hit Bundelkhand to find a solution to the affected people. She did not go. I went there and visited various villages and talked to a number of farmers. The people complained that the U.P Government is not realizing their issues and not helping them. We therefore took up the issue and went to the Prime Minister and requested his intervention. He immediately sanctioned a relief package of Rs. 8000 crore,” he informed the crowd and the people acknowledged it with huge applauds.
Rahul Gandhi immediately quipped “Now you clap for the achievement. But are you really angry or sad to know about this? For the past 22 years you have been clapping while appreciating the Congress Government at the Centre. When you will have a Congress Government in U.P, you will get a chance to appreciate that Government too”.
Taking a dig at Mayawati Government the Congress General Secretary added “I had again gone to Bundelkhand. Then the farmers informed me that the funds sent for them were looted. The money was meant for relief works like construction of wells. I asked my fellow workers to take me to the places where the construction of wells is taking place. I was surprised to see that the wells were only half built and nothing was happening further. When asked I was told that the well was half-built as only the half-share given by the farmers were used, the balance was to be paid by the state Government but it did not pay the same”.
“We had sent the sufficient funds. The funds sent for the tractors are not for the ministers or their children, but for the benefit of the poor people in the region” said Rahul Gandhi and added “This problems is not only of Bundelkhand. The entire state is having the same pathetic state of affairs. The funds sent under various schemes like MNREGA or NRHM were looted in U.P. The magic elephant of Mayawati in Lucknow consumes the funds meant for the poor. It eats currency notes instead of leaves and grass”.
This is the money of your sweat and blood. This money is not of the Congress party, SP, BSP or Rahul Ji. This money is the result of hard work of farmers and labourers from UP in Maharashtra, Delhi, Haryana and Punjab. If the country is developing it is because of your efforts, your blood and sweat,” said Rahul Gandhi amidst applauds.
Taking on Samajwadi Party Rahul Gandhi continued “I saw the poster ‘umeed ki Cycle’ on my way. You voted for Cycle for three times. Three times Mulayam Ji was your Chief Minister. But your trust got punctured three times. It punctured your future. It promised development but the goons were running the police stations. It was a complete goondaraj under its regime. No one was able to file FIR in police stations. How can you trust Cycle again?” he argued.
“I am here not for elections, but to bring in positive changes in Uttar Pradesh” Rahul Gandhi reiterated. “Your people go to Maharashtra, Delhi, Haryana and Punjab and contribute for development there. Your people made big buildings in Maharashtra. Your people made the shining Metro in Delhi. When the entire Delhi sleeps, the people of Bundelkhand work overnight in the Delhi roads,” asserted Rahul Gandhi.
He repeated his promise that a Congress Government will bring back developments in Uttar Pradesh like it has been doing in all the Congress-ruled states. “We changed Delhi, Maharashtra, Haryana, Assam and Kerala. All these states are developing. We can change UP too. We will bring positive changes in UP within five years. The money meant for you should reach you. You need a Government that comes to you and helps you. So stand up and support the Congress candidates and elect a Congress Government,” Rahul Gandhi said amidst acknowledgements from the crowd.
“Congress does not talk of religion or caste. We talk only about development. We talk about your rights. We gave you the right to information, right to education, right to job and now we are planning to bring the right to food. We want that no one in this country sleep without food” said Rahul Gandhi. “But will the food send to Uttar Pradesh reach you?” he asked with a comment “The food will reach you only if you have a government of aam aadmi by the Congress in U.P”.
“So now this is the time to put an end to all these miseries. You can see the states Maharashtra, Haryana, Andhra Pradesh, Delhi or Kerala where Congress is in power. All are developing. We can change UP too. So stand up. Fight for a change” Rahul Gandhi asserted encouraging the gathering.
“I want the entire country look at Uttar Pradesh and marvel at the developments in the state. I dream for a day when the people from other states come to Uttar Pradesh for better jobs, education and health facilities,” he spoke to the cheering crowd.
“You have a government of aam aadmi at Delhi. Now let us bring such a government in UP too. Give Congress a chance. You will see the positive changes in U.P,” concluded Rahul Gandhi.
Roorkee (Uttarakhand). Congress President and UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi kick started the campaign for the Congress in poll bound Uttarakhand. She said that the present state Government has been betraying the people in the name of development. Sonia Gandhi also said that the natural treasures of Uttarakhand are being looted and the only way to prevent it is by changing the present government. Taking a swap at BJP she pointed out that by merely changing the Chief Minister won’t help as what we require is a change in the Government.
“Uttarakhand is the land of brave people. The people from here had played a crucial role in the movement of freedom struggle. Even now a lot of people from Uttarakhand work as soldiers in the borders of our country to protect our nation.
As far as Roorkee is concerned, the entire world takes the name of this place with respect and pride. It was from here the first steam engine took off in 1851. A lot of students who are the future of our country have been studying in the prestigious IIT here. Uttarakhand is blessed with its natural beauty and is a treasure to watch.
But I have to say that some people in Uttarakhand try to loot the natural treasures of this state in the name of development. Development does not mean selling out the precious lands in the beautiful hill stations. Development means proper electricity, education, ensure health to all sections of the society, protecting the rights of the people and the welfare of poor, farmers, downtrodden, minorities, backwards, women, dalits and adivasis.
For the past few years the ruling party (BJP) has been betraying the people of Uttarakhand. It tried to cover its dishonest face with mask of lies. But when the mask got unveiled they changed the Chief Minister. The truth is that though they changed the Chief Minister, nothing changed in Uttarakhand. The rampant loot and the cheating are still prevailing.
Only 10% of the people got the benefits of the Congress-led UPA Governments Mahatma Gandhi NREGA policy. Only 40% of the funds were utilized by the BJP Government. Unemployment has increased. If we want to help the people of Uttarakhand, if you want to get your beautiful Uttarakhand back, if you want to protect your own rights, only a CM-change won’t do, but the government needs to be changed. For that you will have to defeat the BJP in the coming elections and elect a Congress Government. I am confident about your support and I am sure that you will vote and elect a Congress Government.
The Congress led Government at the centre have been framing policing for the benefits of every section including Dalits, Adivasis, farmers, women and the poor. We implemented policies like Rajiv Gandhi Electrification Scheme, Jawahar Lal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission, National Rural Health Mission, Sarva Siksha Abhiyan, Mid-day meal scheme, Gram Sadak Yojana, Self Help Group scheme for women.
All the states ruled by the Congress has been implementing these policies properly and reaping the benefits. But the Government here in Uttarakhand is not serious in this matter. The entire development we witness today in Uttarakhand was done by the Congress. The IIT, IIM, Central universities, AIIMS at Rishikesh, different management institutes, all brought by the Congress and we have recently laid the foundation stone for the Rishikesh-Karna Prayag railway line.
We do understand your problems and we have assured to find solutions for those in our election manifesto. We intend to cancel the license policy to help the sugar cane farmers, to expedite immediate payment for the sugar cane procurement, to constitute an Urdu Farsi Board for helping the minorities, to provide computer education for the students in Madrasas at Government’s cost and to provide them free training at IITs and Government polytechnics. We also wish to grant state level recognition to the mela held in Haridwar, Hemkunt.
We are committed to work for all sections of the society. Like this beautiful place, we want to make all the people happy and self reliant. I therefore request you to support the Congress and elect a Congress Government in Uttarakhand. I also request you to play an important role for the progress of this beautiful state by ensuring every single vote for the Congress”.
Raebareli (uttar pradesh).On the second day of her three-day campaign to enthuse the Congress workers, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra visited Raebareli in Uttar Pradesh, the constituency of the Congress President Sonia Gandhi, on Tuesday. She had started her campaign on Monday from Amethi, the constituency of Congress General Secretary Rahul Gandhi.
On her way she interacted with the workers of a private textiles mill which is closed for the past one year. She also had a brief interaction with media there. On a question about her plans to campaign outside Amethi and Raebareli, she replied that she will do anything to help her brother Rahul Gandhi.
“I have not decided yet. So far I am here in Amethi and Raebareli and my brother and I will talk to each other and decide. I will do whatever he requires me to do. He knows to what extent he requires me. But for now it's just Amethi and Raebareli. I Haven't decided yet on the issue of campaigning outside Amethi and Raebareli. Will oversee the elections in these ten constituencies. If Rahul wants me to campaign, I will campaign outside” said Priyanka Gandhi Vadra.
Mau (Uttar Pradesh). On the last day of the fourth phase of his campaign for Congress in the poll bound Uttar Pradesh All India congress Committee (AICC) General Secretary Rahul Gandhi said that the state of Uttar Pradesh is caught between magic elephant which eats the poor people’s funds in one side and the punctured cycle at the other end. He said that the state of U.P slipped backward during the 22 years misrule by the non-Congress parties. Addressing a mammoth rally at Mau in Uttar Pradesh the Congress General Secretary added that Uttar Pradesh needs a government that works for all caste, religion, aam aadmi, poor, minorities, labourers, farmers, dalits and adivasis.
Rahul Gandhi reminded that in 2004 people gave a mandate to the Congress. “During the campaign for the Lok Sabha elections in 2004 while other parties made a number of hollow promises Congress had only promised a government of aam aadmi that works for poor, farmers, minorities, dalits and adivasis and we delivered it. “We want every citizen, people from every caste, creed and religion, to be a part in the process of development”. Rahul Gandhi said that people with good intention do not make heap of promises.
“But the opposition brought out slogans like ‘India Shining’. When those who had made the slogan were asked about its origin they said that they saw it in a television advertisement. They decided that India is shining without going to the people or talking to them. They did not go to people, share their meals or drink the contaminated water from their well, still believed blindly that India was shining,” he alleged. “India cannot shine without proper roads, sufficient electricity, enough water and proper jobs” said Rahul Gandhi.
“How did we understand your problems? We came to know about your issues not from TV or from news papers but from the people directly. We came to you and asked you about your difficulties. You told us that no jobs are available in the villages. So the first thing we did was to implement MGNREGA to guarantee jobs for all. By this biggest employment generation scheme poor are assured of jobs if they intend to work. Through MGNREGA poor are assured of a minimum of 100 days jobs in a year and a daily wage of Rs 120. Thus we send Rs. 12000/- per person” said Rahul Gandhi on UPA’s Mahatma Gandhi NREGA policy.
“When we make policies for the poor and aam aadmi, Mayawati and NDA raise a number of questions. They ask from where we can have money for the scheme,” informed Rahul Gandhi. “This money did not fall from the sky. This is the money of your sweat and blood. This money is the result of hard work of farmers and labourers from UP in Maharashtra, Delhi, Haryana and Punjab. If the country is developing it is because of your efforts, your blood and sweat. So this money belongs to you and we want this money to reach back to you for your welfare,” said Rahul Gandhi amidst applauds.
Taking a dig at Mayawati he continued, “Your Chief Minister Mayawati Ji says that there is no benefit for the people of U.P by the NREGA policy. She said that even during a public meeting. You please ask people in Kerala, Maharashtra, Haryana, Delhi or Assam. Everyone will vouch for the benefit of the NREGA policy.”
Rahul Gandhi said that the present political leaders in UP do not go to the people, share their meals or talk to them. So how can they understand your pain?” asked the Congress leader.
“I go to the people, share their meal and enquire about their problems. I went to the Weavers and farmers. We are now talking about the bunkars package sanctioned by the Centre. We did not do any great thing but did only one thing. We came to you and listened to your grievances. Bunkars came to me and requested help to mitigate their difficulties. They also told me that the state Government or Chief Minister is not listening to them. We approached the Prime Minister and our Honourable Prime Minister did not take even two minutes to sanction the relief package for the bunkars. Our intention is clear” said Rahul Gandhi amidst huge applauds. He also mentioned about the benefits for the Bunkars by way of subsidies, credit card and the waiving-off loans.
“One youth, Faizan, who also is a weaver came to me and requested not to distribute the funds through the state Government run societies as they feared that the amount would not reach them” said Rahul Gandhi and then informed “We therefore redrafted the policy so that the funds will go directly to the person’s account”.
Referring the misuse of Central funds Rahul Gandhi said, “We send thousands of crores of rupees to UP. We sent huge funds under various schemes like MNREGA and NRHM. But these funds did not reach you. The magic elephant in Lucknow eats poor people’s money instead of grass and leaves.”
“We can understand the real issues only if we go to the people and talk to them” argued Rahul Gandhi. “When I go to the people, share their meals, drink water from their well and sleep in the villages some political leaders laugh at me and say that Rahul Gandhi has gone mad. Some leaders say that this is a drama of Rahul Gandhi. No problem, if they consider this a drama, Rahul Gandhi will continue to do so his entire life” declared Rahul Gandhi and the crowd acknowledged it with huge applauds.
“There is only one drama in Uttar Pradesh. And that is the drama of the magic elephant that eats the entire funds meant for the poor. During my visits one local person Hari Sankar came to me and said that the magic elephant eats not only money but lands of poor farmers too”, said the Congress General Secretary. “Now we will never let this drama to continue” he warned.
“We gave you the right to information, right to education, right to job and now we are planning to bring the right to food. Every family is assured of 35 kg of food grains by this policy. We want that no one in this country goes to sleep without food. But the NDA and Mayawati Ji have questioned the scheme asking again from where the money would come.” said Rahul Gandhi.
“I happened to see the slogan of SP on the road side ‘Cycle of trust’. You voted for Cycle for three times. But it punctured your future. It promised development but the goons were running the police stations. It was a complete goondaraj under its regime. There was no electricity, water or jobs. They talk about minorities but did not do anything for them. Mulayam Singh Ji says that there is no need of Computers and English for the poor. He fears that the poor will surge ahead if they acquire the knowledge of computers and English. How can you trust such parties again?” he argued.
Referring SP Rahul Gandhi informed “In 2009, SP approached us with a proposal for alliance for the Lok Sabha polls. They had offered 5 seats. We refused for any alliance and told them that we are here to work for the poor and common man. We won 22 seats because our intention was clear. We did not join hands with Kalyan Singh who was responsible for the demolition of Babri Masjid”. “We deliver what we promise” asserted the Congress General Secretary.
Criticising the stance of Mulayam Singh Yadav on Sachhar Committee recommendations Rahul Gandhi said “When the Sachhar Committee recommended reservation for the minorities we decided to implement the same. But Mulayam Sibgh Ji criticized us. He told that they would have given 18% reservation. SP was in power for three times. Why did not they implement the reservation before? Why the promise of reservation is not there in its election manifesto?” asked Rahul Gandhi and added “They will not do so because their intention is not clear”.
“We should think about changing the bad state of affairs in UP. You have the strength in you and you have the knowledge. Only you can bring in changes here. Your people go to Maharashtra, Delhi, Haryana and Punjab and contribute for development there. When entire Delhi sleeps your people work overnight. But you are not able to do anything here. Your hands are tied up in UP,” asserted Rahul Gandhi.
He repeated his promise that a Congress Government will bring back developments in Uttar Pradesh like it has been doing in all the Congress-ruled states. “We changed Delhi, Maharashtra, Haryana, Assam and Kerala. All these states are developing. We can change UP too. We will bring positive changes in UP within five years. The money meant for you should reach you. You need a Government that comes to you and helps you. So stand up and support the Congress candidates and elect a Congress Government,” Rahul Gandhi said amidst acknowledgements from the crowd.
“You have a government of aam aadmi at Delhi. Now let us bring such a government in UP too. We are ready to help you to any extent. We helped Bunkars, farmers and minorities and the people of Bundelkhand; we are ready to help all the people. I am here not for elections but to bring in positive changes in U.P. Come whatever may, I will not leave the place till I transform U.P. We are talking about your rights. Give Congress a chance. Let us fight together for better development in the state” concluded Rahul Gandhi.
Mubarakpur, Azamgarh (Uttar Pradesh). On the fourth day of the fourth phase of his campaign for Congress in the poll bound Uttar Pradesh All India congress Committee (AICC) General Secretary Rahul Gandhi said that the 22 years rule by the non-Congress parties is rersponsible for the lack of development in the state. Addressing a public rally at Mubarakpur in Uttar Pradesh the Congress General Secretary said that the state needs a government that works for all caste, religion, aam aadmi, poor, minorities, dalits and adivasis.
Rahul Gandhi reminded that in 2004 people gave a mandate to the Congress. “During the campaign for the Lok Sabha elections in 2004 while other parties made a number of hollow promises Congress had only promised a government of aam aadmi that works for poor, farmers, minorities, dalits and adivasis and we delivered it. “We want every citizen, people from every caste, creed and religion, to be a part in the process of development”.
“But the opposition brought out slogans like ‘India Shining’. When those who had made the slogan were asked about its origin they said that they saw it in a television advertisement. They decided that India is shining without going to the people or talking to them. They did not go to people, share their meals or drink the contaminated water from their well, still believed blindly that India was shining. ,” he alleged.
“We found that no jobs are available in the villages. So the first thing we did was to implement MGNREGA to guarantee jobs for all. By this biggest employment generation scheme poor are assured of jobs if they intend to work. Through MNREGA poor are assured of a minimum of 100 days jobs in a year and a daily wage of Rs 120,” said Rahul Gandhi on UPA’s Mahatma Gandhi NREGA policy.
“When we make policies for the poor and aam aadmi, Mayawati and NDA raise a number of questions. They ask from where we can have money for the scheme,” informed Rahul Gandhi. “This money did not fall from the sky. This is the money of your sweat and blood. This money is the result of hard work of farmers and labourers from UP in Maharashtra, Delhi, Haryana and Punjab. If the country is developing it is because of your efforts, your blood and sweat,” said Rahul Gandhi amidst applauds.
Taking a jab at Mayawati he continued, “But Mayawati says that there is no benefit for the people of U.P by the NREGA policy. You please ask people in Kerala, Maharashtra, Haryana, Delhi or Assam. Everyone will vouch for the benefit of the NREGA policy. Had she ever come to you she would have realized the gravity of the difficulties being faced by you? Now neither Mayawati nor Mulayam Singh comes to you.”
Rahul Gandhi said that the present political leaders in UP do not go to the people and so they do not understand their pain and problems. “The main issue is that your leaders do not come to you to understand the difficulties. When I go to people, share their meals and drink water from your well some leaders laugh at me. They ask why Rahul Gandhi is doing so. I do so to realize your problems and pain. I want to hold your hands and work with you and wish to learn from you. I could not gather the knowledge you gave me anywhere else,” said Rahul Gandhi to the cheering crowd.
Further referring the misuse of Central funds sent to U.P Rahul Gandhi said, “We send thousands of crores of rupees to UP. We sent huge funds under various schemes like MNREGA and NRHM. But these funds did not reach you. The money meant for schools, roads and electricity is being looted here. The magic elephant in Lucknow eats poor people’s money instead of grass and leaves.”
Rahul Gandhi assured that right to food is an important step forward to eradicate the evil of hunger in the country and the Congress-led government at the centre is committed to get the Food Security Bill passed. Rahul Gandhi also said that opposition parties including BSP have been opposing this much needed policy as they do not understand the pain and problems of the poor. “We gave you the right to information, right to education and now we are planning to bring the right to food. We want that no one in this country goes to sleep without food. This is the intention behind the Right to Food Bill” said Rahul Gandhi.
Taking a jab at Mayawati he continued, “but Mayawati, soon after the introduction of the Bill, said that UP will have no use for the Food Security Bill. She termed the bill as a drama of the Congress. Had she ever come to you she would have realized the gravity of the difficulties being faced by you. But she never comes to you. NDA, Mayawati or Miulayam do not come to you. Notwithstanding all these oppositions we will bring the Bill,” assured Rahul Gandhi.
“During last Parliament elections SP approached us for alliance. But we decided to fight alone and we came out strongly with 22 seats, SP got lesser seats than Congress. We did not join people like Kalyan Singh for narrow political gains. We never talk of caste or religion but talk only about development,” argued Rahul Gandhi.
Criticising the stance of both Maya and Mulayam on Sachhar Committee recommendations Rahul Gandhi said “When the Sachhar Committee recommended reservation for the minorities we decided to implement the same. We sent the scholarships as per their recommendations to all the states for minorities. But both Maya and Mulayam criticized us. They said that they would have given 18% reservation. Then why they were silent all these years? Why did not they implement the reservation when they were in power? When the media persons asked them about their comment on the reservation issue, they kept mum. But when they knew that the Congress is firm to implement the reservation, they immediately came out with the complaint that the reservation is inadequate. If it is inadequate why haven’t they implemented it when they were in power? Why their manifestos are mum on this issue?”
He then addressed the Weaver’s issues and said “When we knew about the difficulties faced by the Bunkars in UP, we approached the Prime Minister and the Central Government approved a relief package of Rs. 3,000 crores. Some of the representatives of the Bunkars came to me and requested not to distribute the funds through the state Government sources as they feared that the amount would not reach them” and then informed “We therefore redrafted the policy so that the funds will go directly to the person’s account”. Rahul Gandhi also informed the gathering about the relief package for farmers worth Rs. 60000 crores.
“We should think about changing the bad state of affairs in UP. You have the strength in you and you have the knowledge. You can definitely bring in changes here. You gave 22 years for others. You trusted BSP, but the elephant usurped your funds. You voted for Cycle for three times. But it punctured your future. It promised development but the goons were running the police stations. How can you trust these parties again?” he argued.
“Your people go to Maharashtra, Delhi, Haryana and Punjab and contribute for development there. But your hands are tied up in UP,” asserted Rahul Gandhi. He repeated his promise that a Congress Government will bring back developments in Uttar Pradesh like it has been doing in all the Congress-ruled states.“I am here not for elections but to tell you that this is the time to bring in the changes in U.P with the support of the youth. The moment you stand up and free yourself UP will change,” he asserted.
“Give Congress 5 years,” urged Rahul Gandhi. “We changed Delhi, Maharashtra, Haryana, Assam and Kerala. All these states are developing. We can change UP too. We will bring positive changes in UP within five years. The money meant for you should reach you. You need a Government that comes to you and helps you. So stand up and support the Congress candidates and elect a Congress Government,” Rahul Gandhi said amidst acknowledgements from the crowd.
“You have a government of aam aadmi at Delhi. Now let us bring such a government in UP too. We are ready to help you to any extent. We helped Bunkars, farmers and minorities; we are ready to help all the people. Now you talk about development, minorities, aam aadmi, farmers, labourers and downtrodden. Give Congress a chance. The development will be visible in 5 years and in ten years you will be surprised to notice the positive changes in U.P,” concluded Rahul Gandhi.
Salempur, Deoria (Uttar Pradesh).On the third day of the fourth phase of his campaign for Congress in the poll bound Uttar Pradesh All India congress Committee (AICC) General Secretary Rahul Gandhi blamed the 22 years rule by the non-Congress parties for the pathetic conditions in the state. Addressing a public rally at Salempur in Uttar Pradesh the Congress General Secretary said that the state needs a government that works for all caste, religion, aam aadmi, poor, minorities, dalits and adivasis.
Rahul Gandhi said that the present political leaders in UP do not go to the people and so they do not understand their pain and problems. “Though I am not a poor I understand poverty because I come to you, share your meals and drink water from your well. I do so to realize your problems and pain. I want to hold your hands and work with you and wish to learn from you. I could not gather the knowledge you gave me anywhere else. I never received the love and affection you extended to me from anyone else,” said Rahul Gandhi to the cheering crowd.
Rahul Gandhi reminded that in 2004 people gave a mandate to the Congress. He added that during the campaign for the Lok Sabha elections in 2004 while other parties made a number of hollow promises Congress had only promised a government of aam aadmi. “The opposition brought out slogans like ‘India Shining’. When those who had made the slogan were asked about its origin they said that they saw it in a television advertisement. They decided that India is shining without going to the people or talking to them. They did not go to people, share their meals or drink the contaminated water from their well, still believed blindly that India was shining. We, instead, promised a government that works for aam aadmi, poor, minorities, dalits and adivasis and we delivered it,” he claimed.
“We came to you, talked to you and enquired about your problems. We found that no jobs are available in the villages. So the first thing we did was to implement MGNREGA to guarantee jobs for all. By this biggest employment generation scheme poor are assured of jobs if they intend to work. Through MNREGA poor are assured of a minimum of 100 days jobs in a year and a daily wage of Rs 120. We therefore send Rs 12,000 per person every year,” said Rahul Gandhi on UPA’s Mahatma Gandhi NREGA policy.
“When we make policies for the poor and aam aadmi, Mayawati and other opposition parties raise a number of questions. They ask from where we can have money for the scheme,” informed Rahul Gandhi.
“This money did not fall from the sky. This is the money of your sweat and blood. This money is the result of hard work of farmers and labourers from UP in Maharashtra, Delhi, Haryana and Punjab. If the country is developing it is because of your efforts, your blood and sweat,” said Rahul Gandhi amidst applauds.
Taking a jab at Mayawati he continued, “but Mayawati says that there is no benefit for the people of U.P by the NREGA policy. When the youth in Uttar Pradesh needs jobs badly, Mayawati denies their rights. Had she ever come to you she would have realized the gravity of the difficulties being faced by you? Now neither Mayawati nor Mulayam Singh comes to you.”
Referring farmers’ issues Rahul Gandhi referred to Tappal and Bhatta-Parsaul. He said, “when the poor farmers, whose lands were forcibly acquired by the Mayawati Government, asked for adequate compensation for their lands, they got bullets. Women were assaulted. Authorities branded the agitating farmers as Naxals.”
“Every year many children die due to Encephalitis in Uttar Pradesh. Did Mayawati care for this? Crores of rupees we sent to curb this epidemic. But that money too was looted by Mayawati” said the Congress General Secretary.
Rahul Gandhi said that Congress always works with longterm vision. Recalling the contribution of his father and former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi he added, “the mobile phone you are using today is the result of the long term vision of Rajiv Gandhi Ji. Wherever Congress rules, we plan policies with an eye for long term, but your leaders think only for today”.
“The real problem is that your leaders do not come to you. Did Mayawati come to you in the past five years? Did Mulayam Singh Yadav come to you?” he asked and the crowd responded with a roaring ‘no’.
To substantiate his leader-aam aadmi point Rahul Gandhi cited his personal experience. “I went to a hospital in UP where some painting and renovation works were going on. I went inside. There were no doctors, patients or nurses. Four-five dogs were scampering inside. I asked them what is going on. They said that Mayawati is on a tour to this area and she will be visiting the hospital and therefore the renovation. As she was expected to take the road route from the helipad the roads were being repaired and the hospital building was being painted to show her that all is well there. This is the state of affairs in your state.”
Further referring the misuse of Central funds sent to U.P Rahul Gandhi said, “We send thousands of crores of rupees to UP. We sent huge funds under MNREGA and NRHM. But these funds did not reach you. The money meant for schools, roads and electricity is being looted here. The magic elephant in Lucknow eats poor people’s money instead of grass and leaves, gobbles up the funds for the state and the poor.”
The Congress General Secretary blamed the 22 years of non-Congress Governments in UP for the lack of development in the state. He repeated his promise that a Congress Government will bring back developments in Uttar Pradesh like it has been doing in all the Congress-ruled states.“You wasted 22 years by electing non-Congress Governments. You first elected BJP, they sought votes in the name of god. Then you voted for Cycle. SP was in power for three terms. But they punctured your expectations. They promised development but the goons were running the police stations. How can you trust these parties again?”
Reiterating the commitment of the Congress the M.P from Amethi remarked “We want every citizen, people from every caste, creed and religion, to be a part in the process of development”.
“We should think about changing the bad state of affairs in UP. You have the strength in you and you have the knowledge. You can definitely bring in changes here. You gave 22 years for others now give 5 years to the Congress. You trusted BSP, but the elephant usurped your funds. You voted for Cycle for three times. But it punctured your future,” he argued.
“Your people go to Maharashtra, Delhi and even Ladak and contribute for development there. But your hands are tied up in UP,” asserted Rahul Gandhi.
“Your leaders roam around in Helicopters. They, therefore, do not understand your problems. I am here not for elections but to stand by the youth and support them for bringing positive changes in Uttar Pradesh. The problem is not with the people but with the anti-poor Government in UP. The moment you stand up and free yourself UP will change,” he asserted.
“You must change this. Give Congress 5 years,” urged Rahul Gandhi. “We changed Delhi, Maharashtra, Haryana, Missoram, Assam and Kerala. All these states are developing. We can change UP too. We will bring positive changes in UP within five years. The money meant for you should reach you. You need a Government that comes to you and helps you. So stand up and support the Congress candidates and elect a Congress Government,” Rahul Gandhi said amidst acknowledgements from the crowd.
“During last Parliament elections parties approached us for alliance. But we decided to fight alone and those parties said that the Congress will be finished. But we came out strongly with 22 seats. We did not join people like Kalyan Singh for narrow political gains. We never talk of caste or religion but talk only about development,” argued Rahul Gandhi.
“You have a government of aam aadmi at Delhi. Now let us bring such a government in UP too. So give Congress a chance. The development will be visible in 5 years and in ten years UP will come back to the top position again,” concluded Rahul Gandhi.
Chauri Chaura (Uttar Pradesh). On the second day of the fourth phase of his campaign for Congress in the poll bound Uttar Pradesh All India congress Committee (AICC) General Secretary Rahul Gandhi blamed non-Congress parties for the pathetic conditions in the state. Addressing a public rally at the historic Chauri Chaura, where several freedom fighters were hanged by the British in 1922 during the freedom struggle, the Congress General Secretary asked the people to fight for freedom from the 22 years misrule of the non-Congress Governments in the state.
Rahul Gandhi assured that Right to Food is an important step forward to eradicate the evil of hunger in the country and the Congress-led Government at the centre is committed to get the Food Security Bill passed. Rahul Gandhi also said that opposition parties including BSP have been opposing this much needed policy as they do not understand the pain and problems of the poor.
“We want no one in this country to go to sleep hungry. This is the intention behind the Right to Food Bill. And the Dalits in the country, who are facing the scarcity of food the most, are going to be largely benefited” said Rahul Gandhi.
Taking a jab at Mayawati he continued “But Mayawati, soon after the introduction of the Bill, said that U.P will have no use with the Food Security Bill. She herself calls herself a ‘Dalit leader’ but does not know the real problems of the Dalits and the poor in particular. Had she ever come to you, she would have realized the gravity of the difficulties being faced by you, but unfortunately she never came”. “But despite all these oppositions, we will bring the Bill” assured Rahul Gandhi to the cheering crowd.
Rahul Gandhi also slammed BJP for its double-speak on corruption referring the induction of the tainted former BSP minister Babu Singh Kushwaha into its fold. “It was BJP which had toured the entire country against corruption but what is happening now? It has now inducted the most corrupt Babu Singh Kushwaha into its fold” he said.
“The BJP Governments in Karnataka, Uttarakhand, Gujarat and Jharkhand are corrupt but BJP talks high about curbing corruption. Now they have inducted the most corrupt Kushwaha, said the Congress General Secretary taking a dig at the BJP run Governments.
“Mayawati recently sacked some of her ministers alleging corruption when only a month is left for the next elections. Why did not she remove them before? But the interesting fact is that Mayawati sacks ministers and BJP is happily inducting them” he commented.
“The real problem is that your leaders do not come to you. Did Mayawati come to you in the past five years? Did Mulayam Singh Yadav come to you?” he asked and the crowd responded with a roaring ‘NO’.
“When I go to people, stay with them, share their meals and drink the muddy water from their well, several leaders laugh at me and ask why Rahul Gandhi is doing so. But I know the real strength of the country lies in the villages. Your strength and your hands are tied up for the past 22 years” said Rahul Gandhi and the crowd acknowledged it with cheers.
Rahul Gandhi reminded that in 2004 people gave a mandate for the Congress. He added that during the campaign for the Lok Sabha elections in 2004, while other parties made a number of hollow promises Congress had promised a government of aam aadmi. “The opposition brought out slogans like India Shining. When those who had made the slogan were asked about its origin they said that they saw it in a television advertisement. They decided that India is shining without going to the people or talking to them. They did not go to people, share their meals or drink the contaminated water from their well, still believed blindly that India was shining. We, instead, promised a government that works for aam aadmi, poor, minorities, dalits and adivasis and we delivered it,” he claimed.
“We came to you, talked to you and enquired about your problems. We found that no jobs are available in the villages. So the first thing we did was to implement MGNREGA to guarantee jobs for all. By this biggest employment generation scheme poor are assured of jobs if they intend to work. Through MNREGA poor are assured of a minimum of 100 days jobs in a year and a daily wage of Rs 120. We thus send Rs 12000/- per person every year,” said Rahul Gandhi on UPA’s Mahatma Gandhi NREGA policy.
“When we make policies for the poor and aam aadmi, Mayawati and other opposition parties raise a number of questions. They ask from where we can have money for the scheme” Rahul Gandhi informed. “This money did not fall from the sky. This is the money of your sweat and blood. This money is the result of hard work of farmers and labourers from U.P in Maharashtra, Delhi, Haryana and Punjab. If the country is developing it is because of your efforts, your blood and sweat,” said Rahul Gandhi amidst applauds.
Further referring the misuse of Central funds sent to U.P Rahul Gandhi said, “We send thousands of crores of rupees to U.P. We sent huge funds under MNREGA and NRHM. But these funds did not reach you. The money meant for schools, roads and electricity is being looted here. The magic elephant in Lucknow, which eats poor people’s money instead of grass and leaves, gobbles up the entire funds”.
The Congress General Secretary blamed the 22 years of non-Congress Governments in UP for the lack of development in the state. He repeated his promise that a Congress Government will bring back development in Uttar Pradesh like it has been doing in all the Congress-ruled states.“You wasted 22 years by electing non-Congress Governments. You first elected BJP; they sought votes in the name of God. Then you voted for Mulayam Singh ji. He was in power for three terms. But he punctured your expectations. He promised development but criminals were seen even inside police stations. How can you trust him again? You can be sure that your FIRs will not be registered under their rule. You can be sure that Mulayam Ji will again say that there is no use for English or Computers for the poor in U.P”.
Taking a dig at Mulayam’s anti-computer, anti-English stance Rahul Gandhi went on to say “I know his son Akhilesh. He speaks English and knows Computers. If Mulayam Ji feels that there was no need for English and Computers in U.P. why did he allow his son to learn both?”
Reiterating the commitment of the Congress the M.P from Amethi added “We want every citizen, people from every caste, creed and religion, to be a part in the process of development”.
Criticising the stance of both Maya and Mulayam on Sachhar Committee reccomendations Rahul Gandhi said “When the Sachhar Committee recommended reservation for the minorities we decided to implement the same. We sent the scholarships as per their recomentations to all the states for minorities. But both Maya and Mulayam criticized us. Why they were silent all these years? Why did not they implement the reservation when they were in power? When the media persons asked them about their comment on the reservation issue, they kept mum. But when they knew that the Congress is firm to implement the reservation, they immediately came out with the complaint that the reservation is inadequate”.
Referring Bundelkhand Rahul Gandhi said “Either Mayawati, Mulayam or BJP did not visit the drought-hit Bundelkhand. But I went there. The people complained that the state Government is not at all helping them and requested my intervention to approach the Prime Minister to inform the state of affairs. I met the PM and the Centre sanctioned a relief package of Rs. 3000/- crore for them. But the funds vanished as the magic elephant consumed it. Montek Singh Ji had gone to Bundelkhand and he was shocked to see the improper usage of the funds”.
He then addressed the Bunkar’s issues and said “When we knew about the difficulties faced by the Bunkars in UP, we approached the Prime Minister and the Central Government approved a relief package of Rs. 3,000 crores. Some of the representatives of the Bunkars came to me and requested not to distribute the funds through the. UP Government sources as they feared that the amount would not reach them” and then informed “We therefore redrafted the policy so that the funds will go directly to the person’s account”.
“We should think about changing the bad state of affairs in UP. You have the strength in you and you have the knowledge. You can definitely bring in changes here. You gave 22 years for others, now give Congress five years. You trusted BSP, but the elephant ate up your funds. You voted for Cycle for three times. But it punctured your future” he argued.
“You must change this. Give Congress five years.” urged Rahul Gandhi. “We changed Delhi, Maharashtra, Haryana, Missoram, Assam and Kerala. All these states are developing. We can change UP too. We will bring positive changes in UP within five years. The money meant for you should reach you. You need a Government which comes to you and helps you. So stand up and support the Congress candidate and elect a Congress Government” Rahul Gandhi concluded encouraging the gathering.
