This is a government of aam aadmi: Rahul Gandhi

Congress General Secretary Rahul Gandhi while addressing an election rally in Firozabad(UP) in support of Congress candidate Raj Babbar said that the UPA has ensured a government of aam aadmi at the centre. “This is a government of the poor, Dalits, backward and the tribals,” he said. He was addressing a rally at P D Jain Inter College ground in Firozabad where there is a by- election for the Lok Sabha to be held on November 7, 2009.

Congress General Secretary said, “The Idea behind the aam aadmi was to build one India providing equal opportunities for all. If we look at India today, there have been two Indias created over the years. One India is that of big people and the rich which is shining and other India is yours, mines and that of the poor, Tribal, farmers and Dalits. My view is that if this country has to move forward, it has to move together. So, in 2004 we formed a government for aam aadmi as we knew that it is the poor who faces most of the difficulties . They face problem in getting education and other facilities.”

He further said that the UPA government has been trying to do a lot for the farmers and the poor of this country. “Our government waived the loan of farmers worth Rs 60,000 crores. It is the farmer who produces food for us. But one of the then Chief Ministers of the NDA had said that we don’t need farmers at all; we have got the computers and call centers. Everyone eats the food grown by the farmers; you, me and everyone. But it is an irony that they still forget the farmer,” he said.

Talking about the National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme he said, “First time in India, the government has ensured employment guarantee for every villager, no matter which caste or community he belongs to. Our government has ensured that every needy person gets 100-day employment throughout the year.” Talking about his frequent visits to the remote villages and its criticism by the opposition he said, “They ask me why I go and meet poor villagers or tribals. I go there as I know that the strength of India lies in the villages and its people. I want to understand them. I want to understand their problems.”

Indiraji visited Kashmir three days before her assasination: Sonia Gandhi

Congress President Sonia Gandhi on the occasion of inauguration ceremony of Ananatnag- Qazigund railway line said that Indiraji had had too much affection for the people of Kashmir. “She visited Kashmir just 3-days before her assasination. Perhaps she knew her final departure and that was the reason that she had visited this place to see the Aatish-e- Chinar and to salute this land,” she said. She further said, “This is a co-incident that we are meeting here again on the same day when our former Prime Minister Indiraji visited the valley 25 years back.”

Congress President thanked people of Jammu and Kashmir for participating in huge number in the Loksabha and assembly elections. She said, “By coming out in big numbers during the polls you have shown to the world that you want peace and development in the valley. You have shown that you have full faith in the democratic process.”

Talking on the new railway line connecting Anantnag to Qazigund, she said, “This railway line is an example of state’s great leap towards development. Developmental projects can not be done without peace and we all know that there is no issue which can not be solved by negotiations within the framework of democracy.” She further said, “It has been our belief that Kashmir has a special place in the picture of secular India and the UPA government under the leadership of Dr Manmohan Singh has made special efforts to develop the state. It has got maximum grant from the Centre, unparallel in recent time.s The people of Jammu and Kashmir should get the maximum benefits from government initiatives.”

She expressed happiness over the functioning of the state government under the leadership of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah. She said that the state and Centre both are leaving no stone unturned for the development of this state. “Many big educational and health institutes are being set up in Jammu and Kashmir and there are many electricity projects in pipeline which will enhance the power generation in the state. This state is also witnessing the arrival of many industrial units which will help in solving unemployment problem. First time in the history of the state, Anantnag has appeared on the railway map and railway connectivity between Jammu and Udhampur has also been established.”

Congress President hoped that in coming years more and more areas of the state will be connected through railway lines which will provide more opportunities to the people. She said that tourism industry will also get benefited through these rail projects as transportation is a big tool “With the inauguration of this project, the valley is being linked with the rest of the country and certainly this will enhance the movement of the people from other part of the country, strengthening the bond of brotherhood and mutual affection among them. This will also strengthen our democracy. So, it is not a special day for Jammu and Kashmir alone, it is a special day for the whole country,” she said.

She concluded her speech by thanking Railway Minister Mamata Bannerjee, her ministry and its employees for fulfilling this uphill task of building railway lines in the valley.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Jammu & Kashmir CM Omar Abdullah, Rail Minister Mamata Banerjee and Health Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad were also present on this occasion.

Congress wins 9 out of 11 seats where Rahul Gandhi campaigned

With the declaration of election results for three state assemblies, Congress is going to form government again in Maharashtra, Haryana and Arunachal Pradesh. Congress General Secretary Rahul Gandhi campaigned for three days in Maharashtra and Haryana. The Congress won majority of seats where the young leader addressed election rallies. Out of 11 seats, where Congress General Secretary addressed rallies, the party won 9 seats. Congress General Secretary addressed rallies in Kalamnuri, Teosa, Yavatmal, Chandrapur, Panvel, Pune cantonment, Shahada, Aurangabad in Maharashtra and Ateli, Ballabhgarh, Samalkha in Haryana. The Congress won all except Samalkha and Chandarpur in these elections.

In Maharashtra where Congress General Secretary addressed rallies, the party retained two seats namely Pune Cant and Aurangabad while it gained 5 seats from other parties. The new seats which congress gained from other parties are Yavatmal, Teosa and Shahada from BJP, Kalamnuri from Shiv Sena and Panvel from Peasants and Workers Party of India. BJP could retain only Chandarpur out of four seats it retained earlier.

In Haryana, Congress retained Ballabhgarh while it gained Ateli from an independent while it lost Samalkha. .

Our total focus is on eradication of poverty: Rahul Gandhi

Congress General Secretary Rahul Gandhi while interacting with the media in Ranchi said that he interacts and listens to common people because he wants to understand their problem. He said, “I go to poor people’s house, I go to universities, colleges and cities. I have talked to a police constable in this city; I want to understand their problem. Sitting at my house I can’t understand them.” He further said that the media and opposition have created discrimination that whenever I go to a poor man's house ; some people find it objectionable which I am unable to understand. In my view, they are not poor people; they are simply a human being for me who didn't get the opportunity.
Congress General Secretary said, “There is only one difference between the rich and the poor; and that difference is of getting opportunities. A rich person has got opportunity while a poor has not. So, I go to villages, universities and want to meet as much people as possible. I want to understand their problems.”

Speaking on the price rise of the commodities he said that state governments do have some role in it. “Sometimes it increases, sometimes it decreases and it is a cycle. The central government tries its best to provide a helping hand to the poor. Our biggest programme the Employment Guarantee Scheme provides 100-days employment to the poor. We have taken many steps in this direction; we waived the loan of farmers worth Rs 60,000 crores. So, ours is a government of aam aadmi. Our whole thought process, our ideology is for the aam aadmi; and we work for the aam aadmi.

Replying to a query of his revolutionary work plan whenever he becomes the Prime Minister, he said, “This is a hypothetical question. India has a very capable Prime Minister whose name is Dr Manmohan Singh. He is running the country very well.”

Talking on the corruption in NREGA programme he said, “Such type of statements are of sweeping nature; especially in a state having least corruption in this programme. You can look at Rajasthan, Andhtra Pradesh and other state, where this work is going smoothly. Though, there are states where this is not being run properly; but if you look at the overall picture it is running smoothly where the state government wants it to run. So, this depends upon state government. The role of central government is that; it designs the programme and sends fund for it. But the fact is that, NREGA has, for the first time, created a minimum wage in this country; it has created a floor and benefited millions.” He further said, “This programme is run properly where Congress governments are in power; because we have a focus on it. You go to the villages and ask the people which programme is benefiting them most.”

Congress General Secretary said, “I am in charge of Youth Congress... I can tell you that after our organizational elections, more and more people will find place in Parliament, state assemblies and especially in Panchayat bodies. I can tell it to you with a guarantee. We have experimented this in Pudicherry where in every village; there are 250 to 300 Youth Congress workers. We are going to repeat it in Jharkhand too. Our maximum focus is on Panchayats; our organization is designed in such a way that people from every background can find a place here.”

Responding to a query about the cancellation of his recent Arunachal Pradesh tour, he said, “My take on Arunachal Pradesh is exactly same as that on Jharkhand, or Uttar Pradesh or any other state of India. My attitude towards all Indian state is exactly the same. Arunachal is Indian state, Jharkhand is Indian state and Tamil Nadu is Indian state. Attitude of the Youth Congress is exactly the same about every Indian state, every single Panchayat, every single Vidhansabha and every single Lok Sabha.”

Congress General Secretary said, “We have focused on education and provided Mid-day meal for the children. The NREGA, Right to information and Unique Identity Cards are our other achievements. Now, anyone can ask a question to government regarding any scheme. So, our total focus is on eradication of poverty.”

Talking on the implementation of central schemes like NREGA, he said, “There are two things, I tell you. The central government designs the programme and arranges fund for it; but it is upto the state government whether they are interested in it or not. For example, we focused more on NREGA in Uttar Pradesh; we designed a large programme for the state. But the Uttar Pradesh CM Mayawatiji said that this programme is of no use; they will not run it. So in such a scenario, we don’t have much to do. It is being run smoothly where Congress is in power.”

Speaking on Naxalism he said, “There is concrete unanimity as far as the government is concerned on Naxalism. Naxalism has two issues, one which I have always stated; government in the states like Jharkhand, Orrisa and Chhattisgarh are not reaching to the people. That is one angle of the problem. The second angle of the problem is that; as the governments are not reaching to the people, it has turned into a law and order problem. So, if you want to analyze and assess Naxalism in my view, you have to look at these both front. You have to ensure that the government programmes reaches the people and you have to combat Naxalism as a law and order problem.”

Congress General Secretary said, “Not only in India but all over the world the scale of violence has increased; it has increased due to many things. Automatic weapons have become accessible and one can kill hundreds of people with these weapons. But if we look at India, the over all law and order situation is satisfactory. There are pockets like Jharkhand, Orrisa and Chhattisgarh, where governments are not reaching to people.
Second point is that; as I told in Himachal Pradesh, two Indias have been created. One India is yours and my India, the India of opportunity, education, health and employment and other is that of villages where opportunities are very rare. So, we have to focus on those parts of India and bridge the gap.”

Congress General Secretary Rahul Gandhi visits Jharkhand, interacts with tribal youths, party workers and women

On the first day of his two day visit to Jharkhand, Congress General Secretary Rahul Gandhi visited Dhanbad after interacting with tribal youths and party workers in Sahebganj and Dumka. In Dhanbad, Congress General Secretary had a meeting with Youth Congress delegates from four adjoining parliamentary constituencies, namely Giridih, Koderma, Hazaribagh and Dhanbad. The meeting took place at Penman Auditorium in the campus of Indian Institute of Mines (ISM).
Outside the meeting venue students of ISM waited in queue to pledge their demand to the young leader. There has been a constant agitation going on in ISM campus to grant it an IIT status. Students demanded the same to Congress General Secretary. Congress General Secretary assured them that he will raise this issue before the Ministry of Human Resource and Development.
Thereafter, Congress General Secretary left for Hazaribagh where he attended a meeting of ‘Yuva Mahila Congrss’. The meeting took place at Nagar Bhawan in the city. Around 600 young women aged 18 to 35 across the state attended the meeting and interacted with the young leader. There, Congress General Secretary said that women must enter politics and Youth Congress is the best platform for this. Thereafter, he left for Ranchi to attend another programme in the evening.
Earlier in the day, Congress General Secretary attended meetings of tribal youths and Youth Congress workers in Sahibganj and Dumka. He will interact with the media in Ranchi tomorrow and attend a series of meetings in the state.
Congress General Secretary is on a two day tour to the state; major part of which is facing the Maoist violence.This visits is a part of his nationwide tour to strengthen the Youth Congress and NSUI.

We have to provide more opportunities to Youth : Rahul Gandhi

Congress General Secretary Rahul Gandhi while interacting with the media at Shimla remarked that in every party there were people who managed to reach at the top through connections and references; and we can not change it overnight. However, he accepted that in Youth Congress and NSUI he was trying his best to get rid of this problem. He hoped that the youth of this country will join these organizations in large numbers and in coming years its impact will be felt in politics.

Talking about the Youth Congress organization in Punjab he said, “If we view our youth organizations in Punjab, the top leadership of the NSUI and Youth Congress has come from the grass root. These grass root youths do not have any connection. At Panchayat and block level, maximum of our leaders are common youth who are working for the organization.”

He emphasized that in coming one or two years, the fairness in the Youth Congress election will be seen. “We have to conduct a fair election in both these organizations; we have already done it in four states starting from one. Gradually we will cover the whole country,” he said.

Congress General Secretary stressed the need for an age limit in party’s youth organizations. He said that people above 35 years of age will not be the office bearers of Youth Congress and NSUI. He further said that doors were open for the youth to enter Youth Congress and NSUI which was once closed for them. “We have a clear vision for the future; none of the party in the country whether it was BJP or his party, provided more opportunity for the youth; and he will try to focus on this issue.

Congress General Secretary talked in length on Pakistan He accepted that the incidents taking place in that country did have some impact upon us. “But the international image of Pakistan has changed over the years; it is not like 8 years before when NDA was in power,” he said.

Talking on the role of regional parties in Indian politics he said, “They have their different roles and they do what they have to do.”
Congress General Secretary said there have been two Indias created over the years; one of rich and one of the poor. We have to build one India. He said that the Unique Identity Card will help in making policies meant for the poor and trace the loopholes.

Congress committed for prosperity of all: Sonia Gandhi

“Make comparison with past regimes on development scale”
October 11, 2009, Nuh (Haryana): Expressions were profuse and well-punctuated with gratitude as All India Congress Committee president Sonia Gandhi thanked a mammoth gathering while addressing an election rally at Nuh in Haryana on the concluding day of election campaign on Sunday, for making the Congress party the biggest political force in the state since 1999.
“I feel a sense of pride whenever I come here as Haryana has a special place in the Indian culture and its freedom movement. I salute this land of brave people whose patriotic loyalty is written in golden letters in the history of India,” remarked Congress president.
Harping on the developmental issues and the party’s concern for the common people, Gandhi told the gathering that until the weaker section of the society gets uplifted, the basic objective of development could not be achieved.
Congress President said, “Our party fights for your cause. For instance, it has worked for the progress of Mewat. The Haryana government has created a Mewat Development Board and Mewat has been made a district.”
She further said, “Drinking water has been a problem in this region. As a redressal measure, the Hooda government launched Rajiv Gandhi Drinking Water Scheme worth Rs 425 crores in this region. And you know, I had myself come here to inaugurate this project.”
Reflecting on the national agenda of the Congress-led UPA government, Gandhi said about their commitment for development of minorities and women in the country. With an aim to bring them in the mainstream of the socio-economic structure, she said that UPA government has created a separate ministry.
Recommendations of the Sachar Committee are being implemented fast and the central government is developing those districts where minorities have a sizeable presence, Congress president said, adding that the government is also providing scholarships to the students of minority communities under Maulana Azad Foundation.”
Speaking on the UPA government’s initiatives for women empowerment, she said, “Earlier women used to get 33% reservation in Panchayats, but now we have ensured that they get 50% reservation.”
Talking about farmers and the agricultural sector, she said, “Congress Party has special concern for our farmers and we feel, if our farmers are not happy, our society is not going to be prosperous. Keeping this in view, the UPA government waived the loan of farmers benefiting millions of our hard working farmers. Besides, we also raised the Minimum Support Price (MSP) of sugarcane and other crops and this was never been done before.”
As you all know well that it is no longer a secret as far as the differences between the Congress and the BJP are concerned, she said. “We are a party which believe in work and work for all. We are seriously committed for development of one and all.”
But, you may recall that what other parties did for you when they were in power and how they behaved with you, she asserted. “In the regime of other parties in the state, there was anarchy everywhere. Farmers and common people were in distress,” she said before concluding her speech with an appeal to vote for Congress in the state Assembly polls on Tuesday and thus, to strengthen the government of common people.
…ends

We have to wage a war against poverty: Rahul Gandhi

Congress General Secretary Rahul Gandhi while addressing an election rally in Ballabgarh said that this assembly is being fought between two different ideologies. He said that one ideology belongs to Congress, which speaks of common man and other talks about India Shining and some chosen people. “In recent Loksabha election, you elected Manmohan Singhji as your Prime Minister, at that time too, both these ideologies were in front of each other.” He further said, “We say if this country makes progress, each and every person will move forward whether he is a poor, Dalit, farmer, labourer or a Tribal. But our opposition talks about an exclusive development benefiting some selected people.”

Congress General Secretary said that in the election of 2004, there were two slogans during the election campaign. “One was India Shining which meant India was progressing fast. First of all, the slogan was in English. When someone asked a senior opposition leader about this slogan as to where did they find it; they said they got it while watching a television advertisement. They did not come to you; they did not go to the farmers, labourers, nor they asked them whether their part of India was shining or not. They just put it on television and sought your support,” he said. He further said, “In that election we gave you the slogan of aam aadmi. We talked about the poor, Dalits, farmers and an inclusive government. And you told them that you need a government which cares for all; and not the one which talks about the rich and big people”

Speaking on the works done by UPA and state government of Haryana, he said, “ Manmohan Singhji and Hoodaji have done a lot of developmental projects for you. They have ensured an inclusive growth and pushed India ahead. The UPA government carried out the largest ever Employment Guarantee Scheme for the rural poor and managed money for the scheme. . However, during the debate in Parliament our opposition said that Congress is wasting the money.” He further said, “We felt that the previous NDA government had completely forgotten the farmers; so we carried out a loan waiver programme for them worth Rs 60,000 crores. Again, our opposition questioned that where was the money coming from? We did this, because we felt that farmers of this country fight daily for our country. Not only that, we ensured Mid-day meal for school going children as we felt that it is the poor which needs education the most”

Congress General Secretary said that he had contested two elections and in both those elections, the opposition did not have any issue for the people. “They talked on Pakistan, terrorism and Jinnah but they never spoke on poverty. You can understand their psyche.” He further said, “There is only one big issue in India and that issue is the prevailing poverty in our country. If we have to wage a war, it must be against poverty.”

Talking about his village visit with a British minister, he said, “.Once a minister from England came to meet me in Delhi. He asked me where does India's strength lie. I said, if you want to understand the strength of India, you have to step out of Delhi, you have to go to villages and talk to poor people, farmers and women. I took him to a village in UP where he spoke to villagers, ate with them and spent a night there. On his way back to Delhi, he told me that he understood why India is making so much progress. But the next day I read in newspapers, senior BJP leaders criticizing me asking why am i showcasing the poverty of India to a foreigner. Basically, our opposition leaders are ashamed of the conditions under which poor people live and they don’t want to even talk about it.”

Will send every member of Youth Congress to work in the villages: Rahul Gandhi

Congress General Secretary Rahul Gandhi while addressing an election rally in Samalkha(Haryana) criticized opposition parties for ignoring the poor, farmers and villagers. He said, “One of the Chief Ministers of NDA had said that the country did not need farmers; we have computers and IT. They get their food grown by farmers still they criticize them. However, we say that the farmers are the backbone of this country; that’s why we waived the loans worth Rs 60,000 crores. We provided mid-day meal in the government schools and all we did and do is for the welfare of the poor.”

Congress General Secretary said that the UPA government launched the biggest ever Employment Guarantee Scheme, NREGA, for the poor. “Because we felt that the previous NDA government had completely ignored the poor and farmers,” he said.

Talking about his visits to villages he said, “When I go to villages and stay at poor people’s houses, our opposition wonders why Rahul Gandhi is going to poor people’s house? They feel ashamed of it. Once a minister from England came to meet me in Delhi. He asked me where does India's strength lie. I said, if you want to understand the strength of India, you have to step out of Delhi, you have to go to villages and talk to poor people, farmers and women. I took him to a village in UP where he spoke to villagers, ate with them and spent a night there. On his way back to Delhi, he told me that he understood why India is making so much progress. But the next day I read in newspapers, senior BJP leaders criticizing me asking why am i showcasing the poverty of India to a foreigner. Basically, our opposition leaders are ashamed of the conditions under which poor people live and they don’t want to even talk about it.”

Congress General Secretary said, “Our opposition leaders feel ashamed in talking on poverty; while we want to find out the root cause of poverty and eliminate it” He further said, “During the campaign in last general election, our opposition talked about Pakistan, terrorism and Jinnah but they never talked about poverty. This word does not suit them.”

Talking on the growing disparity in the country, Congress General Secretary said, “Our opposition wants to create two Indias; one which consists of the rich and one which lags behind and is poor. We want to build one India, India of progress where every section of the society, be it Dalit, backward or labourer, everyone moves forward together.” He further said, “In 2004 election, you told them that you need the government of aam aadmi, government which takes the initiative towards loan waiver and the government which works for the backward people. You sent them back for five years. But again in 2009 they appeared with same issues and this time you packed their baggage for 10 years.”

Talking on the Youth Congress and NSUI he said, “As a General Secretary of Youth Congress I want to tell you that only those leaders will move ahead in our organization who will fight for the poor, backwards, dalits and farmers. I will send every member of Youth Congress to villages because I feel that the real strength of India lies in villages and in the poor. I will groom leaders from villages; our country needs the strength hidden in the poor and farmers.”

Congress General Secretary said that there is a government of aam aadmi in Delhi, which works for the welfare of common man. He appealed to bring back the Congress government in Haryana, so that the Centre and State together could develop the state. He appealed to them for making their choice between a government of India Shining and a government of aam aadmi.

Congress works for Dalits, poor and backward people : Rahul Gandhi

Congress General Secretary Rahul Gandhi while addressing an election rally in Amravati (Maharashtra) reiterated that these elections are being fought between two ideologies. While Congress-led UPA speaks about Dalits ,Tribal and poor people the other ideology is that of the opposition which talks about India Shining and progress for a chosen few.
He said, “We say if India moves forward, every section of the society will move forward. Dalits, Tribals and the poor will move forward together. In 2004 elections there were two alliances. Manmohanji and Soniaji called for aam aadmi, while the NDA called for India Shining. The NDA created their slogan in English, which half of India could not understand. They did not go and talk to you; they just made their slogan by watching television.
In that election, you told them your India was not shining. You told them that you need an aam aadmi's government.. You told them that you would vote for Manmohan Singhji, Soniaji and the Congress Party. You would bring to power a government that works for poor people, for Dalits and Backwards.”
Rahul Gandhi sought people's support in ensuring that the government of aam aadmi gets anothert term, so that the poor, the backward and Dalits could be served better.

Opposition ashamed of talking about poor people: Rahul Gandhi

Congress General Secretary Rahul Gandhi while addressing an election rally in Hingoli (Maharashtra) once again reiterated that over the last sixty years two Indias have formed. One of the rich and other of the poor. “One India belongs to the poor, Dalits and farmers living in villages, while the other India belongs to rich people living in cities. And this election is being fought between two different ideologies; one which talks about the poor and one which talks of the rich,” he said.

Talking about his visits to villages he said, “When I go to villages and stay at poor people’s houses, our opposition wonders why Rahul Gandhi is going to poor people’s house? They feel ashamed of it. Once a minister from England came to meet me in Delhi. He asked me where India's strength lay. I said, if you want to understand the strength of India, you have to step out of Delhi, you have to go to villages and talk to poor people, farmers and women. I took him to a village in UP where he spoke to villagers, ate with them and spent a night there. One his way back to Delhi, he told me that he understood why India is making so much progress. But the next day I read in newspapers , senior BJP leaders criticizing me asking why I am exposing the poverty of India to a foreigner. Basically, our opposition leaders are ashamed of the conditions under which poor people live and they don’t want to even talk about it.”
Rahul Gandhi further said, “I think that poor peoples are the real strength of India and if this country is progressing it is due to the hard labour done by the poor. We have to ensure that they get their due share in the development process.”

Talking about the work done by UPA in the last five years, Congress General Secretary said, “In last five years our government launched the biggest ever Employment Guarantee Scheme in the world, ensuring 100-days employment for the rural poor. We did it, but during a debate in Parliament, our opposition said that we were wasting money. Again, we waived farmer loans worth Rs 60,000 crores. In the Parliament I especially spoke about farmers from Maharashtra and Vidarbha because they have specific problems; land holdings are big here; so there must be different solutions for them. However, at that time too, BJP and Shiv Sena asked where the money was coming from? So, money meant for poor people is a problem for them, but it is not a big problem if it is going to big people.”

Congress General Secretary said, “I have come here to tell you that whatever resource this country generates in the development process, it will be used to educate your children and to provide health facilities for you. I do not care what the opposition says, we have done it in the last five years, we will do it in the next five years and so on. This process will continue till there is a single poor person left in this country".
Rahul Gandhi concluded his speech by appealing to all to vote for Congress and re-elect the government of aam aadmi.

We have to build one India : Rahul Gandhi

Congress General Secretary Rahul Gandhi while addressing an election rally at Panvel in Raigarha district of Maharashtra, appealed to vote for Congress-NCP alliance for the welfare of common man. He said that people of Maharashtra have two options before them in this assembly election. “One ideology is that of Congress which talks about aam aadmi, backwards and the poor while other talks about India Shining and some selected people,” he said.

Congress General Secretary said that India under the UPA government is progressing very fast. “We had promised in 2004 that if country moves forward, aam aadmi will move forward; and we have fulfilled that promise,” he said.

He further said that the UPA government launched NREGA for the rural poor to provide them 100-days guaranteed employment. “Wherever we go, we ask the people that which scheme benefits you most? They talk about NREGA; but during parliamentary debate our opposition had criticized it saying that we were wasting money,” he said. He further asked, “The money meant for rich class is not a waste, then how can the money spent for the poor be a waste?”

He said that sixty years ago when India got independence not many people in this country were rich; almost all were poor. “But during last sixty years, some people became rich while half of the India is still languishing in poverty; we have to bridge this gap and build one India,” he said.

Congress General Secretary said, “Our country is progressing fast but we have to ensure that surplus money be used for the literacy, health and employment generation for the poor. We have to connect both Indias.”

Talking about the strength of common man, he said, “Every individual is the strength of this nation and we have to groom this strength. We have to make sure that the villagers get employment in their native place like their urban brethrens. Villages should make progress like cities.”

Speaking about the works done by UPA government he said, “ We have launched NREGA, laon waiver for farmers and enacted RTI; and in coming years we will do more for the common man”

I visit a human being, not a Dalit: Rahul Gandhi

Congress General Secretary Rahul Gandhi while interacting with media in Thiruvananthapuram(Kerala) said that he goes to poor man’s house and don’t think in terms of Dalit or an upper caste. Replying to a question he said, “See, first of all the press sees me as staying with Dalits. I don’t see myself as staying with Dalits. I see myself as going to a human being’s house. I don’t see him as a Dalit, or an upper caste or a lower caste. As far as I am concerned that there is a poor human being and I am going to his house. And I will go to a poor person's house whether he is a Dalit, an upper caste or a minority. And I spend nights in people’s houses who are non-Dalits. So, this differentiation occurs in the media, it does not occur in my mind. I personally don’t believe in the caste. I believe that whether they are a Dalit or an upper caste they are the same. It has only one difference what I can see, between a rich person or a poor person, and that is of opportunity. So this frame of Dalits is your frame; it is not my frame. My frame is; every single Indian is equal and as far as I am concerned as a politician, it is my duty to try and understand as many people’s frame as possible. If I have to understand their frame then I have to understand what they are close to, and my view is to go close to them. I can’t do it sitting in an air conditioned office or in any big house. So, when I do it, I go close to them. The same way I go to a university and talk to a student; the same way I go to a chaiwalla and sit down and talk to him. I don’t ask the Chaiwalla, are you Dalit? No, he is a person for me. I tell my office people that please find the poorest village in Uttar Pradesh; take me there and take me to the poorest person’s house. That is the format I use. If the poorest people happen to be a Dalit, he is a Dalit. You see him as a Dalit; I see him as a poor person. What I am trying to do here, I am a youngster, I am not an experienced politician; all I want to do here is to understand what the people of this country are facing, whether they are rich or poor, handicapped, whatever. And I want to spend as much time of mine trying to understand what they are faced with. As a politician I think that it is very important that I do that. Because, if I don’t, I will not understand the issues.”

Speaking on the Youth Congress and the NSUI, Congress General Secretary said, “Our model in the Youth Congress and the NSUI and the KSU is to have an open system, where we allow as many youngsters to enter the system. That is the first step. The second step is the promotion within that system should be based on democratic norms meaning that people, who go ahead in that organization, go ahead democratically. We don’t have any norms about educational qualification in NSUI and the KSU. We feel that, that decision of the leadership should be left to the students and they should decide how they want to elect somebody who is doing well in the school and somebody who is not. So, the whole idea behind the democratization of these two organizations; the central idea is that we believe fundamentally in the youngsters of this country. And we would like them to take the decision in these two organizations.”

On visiting university campuses across the country he said, he has not violated the instructions of Supreme Court as the court only spoke about the rules and regulations to be followed during the students Union elections. He said, “It has not been a contempt of court; so I am not in a trouble in contempt of court.”

On growing Naxal problem in the country, Congress General Secretary said, “My view on this matter is that the states like Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Orissa is that; governments are not reaching to the population. That is one cause for the Naxal problem. I think the governments need to get development of the people. Wherever you find development is taking place, wherever the people are involved in political system or involved in the democratic system, Naxalism will not take over. That is my personal view. Seeing that the government has taken very strict measures in countering Naxalism and a lot of progress has been made in some states; I am sure a lot of progress will be made by the government of India.
I think there are experts in the government who are knowledgeable about how specifically to combat Naxalism; I am not an expert on Naxalism and I am not going to explain to you how I feel Naxalism should be combated. There are specialists who do that. As I already said, there is a connection between Naxalism and lack of ability of local governments to reach to the people. And as somebody involved in politics I would say that the more involved the people are in a political system, the better, there are less likely chances that Naxalism is taking place.”

On the participation of youth in the politics he said, “The idea behind what we are doing here in KSU election or the Youth Congress elections is not directly linked to this but the idea behind this is the participation of youngsters in politics. We feel that youngsters should have a voice in politics and we also feel that the best way to give youngsters a voice in politics is to give them the democratically elected organization. That is the idea we are trying out in the KSU, in the NSUI or in the Youth Congress.”


When asked about the response of his recent Tamil Nadu tour, Congress General Secretary said, “What the youngsters of Tamil Nadu are feeling about the Youth Congress is that over a million have joined the Youth Congress. So that should be the extremely positive disposition for the congress. We still have not calculated exactly how many members have joined in Tamil Nadu but we do know that there are over a million. A million is a huge number. So we are very positive. I think there are two issues here; first one is to be positively predisposed to the congress and the second issue is that they feel, as I have spoken to the lot of students, we had election already in JNU, they feel that the first time they have a voice in electing their own leaders. No other youth political organization in the country allows that. We are only one who allows it. That is also why a very large number of students and youngsters are joining us. I mean I give you an idea about the membership of Youth Congress in Punjab. We had about 30,000 members before our election and the moment we declared the election and carried out membership campaign, number grew to three and half lakhs; where we had first election. In Gujarat, we had similar numbers; 35,000 members in Gujarat. We had election; we have seven and a half lakhs. In Tamil Nadu, we have told you a million; we have not calculated the number yet but I try to point out that we interact and whichever state we go to, our number goes increasing. We started with three and half lakh members, we estimate that we have gone to thirteen lakhs members. And the expectation that the people have; I am extremely impressed by the way the students have, the desire to enter politics; I am extremely impressed by. I fully believe in them; so I don’t believe that I should be giving them specific direction that you will have only highly educated leaders. They have to choose them. I am only a medium. I am not going to make a decision for the youngsters in the Youth Congress. They are going to make their decision.”

On the representation of SCs, STs and minorities in the Youth Congress and NSUI he said, “Our system is designed in such a way that it ensures that. We have explained in detail to the press in Kerala what our system looks like. That our system is not a winner or taker away system. So one man does not win the election. The system is; the electing a committee and in that committee there are mandatory places for women, mandatory places for SCs, mandatory places for STs and mandatory places for weaker sections. So, in our election you will not have result where SCs, STs, the minority communities will not have a place; it can not happen. And we design the system in this manner. In fact in Gujarat, we had the opposite problem. In our election in Gujarat in the tribal areas, the tribals swept everything; and the non-tribals were saying that the system would be unfair to them. So our system positively discriminates towards weaker sections.”

Speaking on the availability of opportunities for the poor he said, “ For me there is only one difference and this is the way I see the world. Regarding weaker section, only thing is that people lack opportunities. That is the only difference. The difference between me and the poorest person in this country or the difference between you and the poorest person in this country, the only difference as far as I am concerned, there is no difference in capability, there is no difference in understanding; the only difference is difference in opportunity. We have the opportunity, we went to the university; which university you go to? (Asking a journalist)…You studied in Hyderabad, you went to Hyderabad, studied in the University of Hyderabad and you had lot of opportunities; that’s why you are sitting here and we are talking. There are millions of people in this country, just like you and me as intelligent, as smart as you; who have not had the opportunity to go to a university. That is the only difference; there is no other difference.”

Talking on his recent visit to poor man’s house he said, “As far as I am concerned I reach out to people. Now if you want to ask some of the MPs why they went with food, you have to ask them. I don’t have the answer to that question. As far as I am concerned my aim is not only to reach out to them; it is to understand. I want to understand that what a poor person in Shravasti is facing. That’s what I want to understand. I don’t actually reach out and go to them and say that I am Mr Rahul Gandhi and I have come to see you. No. All I want, I want to understand them; you can go to them and ask them what were the questions I asked to them when I sat with them. I asked to them; What you find difficult? What happens to NAREGA here? Does NAREGA help you? What happened with Karjamaafi; did it help you? Did it get to you? Why did not it get to you? Because as somebody who is involved in politics, the biggest problem in this country is; the all good intentions the governments have, don’t reach to people. And as a politician I want to understand what is going on. That’s why I go there. There is an element of reaching out, but the main thrust from my side is understanding for myself what is going on.”


Replying to a question he said, “The day I die my learning will end. Until that day, I will keep learning. Learning does not mean by the way making a distinction between learning and action. Action is learning and learning is action, so there is no distinction between the two things. So, my point is that I hope that I continue to learn until the day I die. I think that is the thing one should strive for.”

Speaking on the differences between the rich and the poor, he said, “I did not say that the difference is only between the rich and poor. I said that there is a big difference in opportunity between the rich and the poor. But there are other people also who lack opportunity. For example there are people in government job who should be getting the opportunity they are not getting. There are people in every sphere of life who are not getting the opportunity that they should be getting. But the biggest difference in my mind is the difference in opportunities.”

Responding to a query relating to the concerns of Kerala's farmers Congress General Secretary said, “ I would like to point out about the ASEAN free trade agreement. There is a worry in Kerala that certain crops in Kerala will be impacted. I just want to make it clear that there are the crops in Kerala, are either in the negative list or in the special list and will not be impacted. So, the ASEAN, as far as Kerala is concerned is a non-issue. We are not going to let, and the government in Delhi is the government of the poor; we are not going to let the farmers of Kerala to suffer. There is no question of that. This is (the view) from the Prime Minister of the country. So, the Left Front is most welcome to make it a election issue; as far as we are concerned nothing we do is going to damage the interests of the farmers of the Kerala.”

Replying to query he said, “Two things I like to do. One is I like to focus on my job. My job is building the Youth Congress and the NSUI. So, the main focus in my life is to try and get youngsters to get involved for these two organizations. I don’t get involved in the decisions and I don’t get involved in these types of things. Yes, except those related to Youth Congress and to a certain extent to the NSUI. With regards to Maharashtra, I am very confident that we will do well in Maharashtra. We have a strong alliance with NCP over there and I am going to campaign there over the next two days, so I will get a better sense of the things there.”

Talking about his business in the public life he said, “I have got very busy these days. I need to refocus away from my work. Yes, but I have been very busy. There are lots of people to tell me that.”


Speaking on the view of Shashi Throor regarding Gandhi Jayanti he said, “That is for the government to decide. I am not going to tell whether Gandhi Jayanti should be working day or not. I mean, I don’t have any personal view on this. Whatever the government decides is good enough for me. I think that I don’t know that everybody should opinionate on every single thing on this planet. I think that there are certain important things that one needs to have opinion on. I think that the government has decided that Gandhi Jayanti is going to be a holiday; and I am perfectly happy with that. If tomorrow the government decides that all of us need to work on Gandhi Jayanti, that is also fine with me. And I think that it is not going to make any difference with Gandhiji, because Gandhiji would be perfectly happy either. Mr. Tharoor has every right for his opinion and everybody has his also. Shashi Tharoorji has a slightly different role as well. Shashi Tharoorji is a minister of state also. So, he has to also spend a lot of time in traveling. So, it is bit unfair to say you know he comes on in times on computer. I have spoken to him a couple of time between and after the election and I get a sense that he is working hard for the country.”

Speaking on austerity drive in public life by MPs he said, “I think they should follow their own model. I think every body has a particular view. I think MPs are highly intelligent adult people and I don’t think that every body should follow anyone’s model.”

Talking about congress party’s strategies in Uttar Pradesh, Congress General Secretary said, “There is going to be a time when congress party will be in power in UP. That’s how I look at it. And I am going to work for that day. When it is going to happen, I can’t tell you but I can guarantee you that it is going to happen. And we will give everything we have to make sure that the people of the UP have a government they can be proud of.”

On his recent visit to villages and growing discontentment he said, “Wherever I go there is a discontentment. I have come here in Kerala, there is a discontentment, and they closed up the university. I go to UP; there is a discontentment with Mayawatiji. So, wherever I go there is a discontentment. How much can I do about that? As far as I am concerned my job is to reach out to the people of India to understand that what they are going through and try to help them out. I do that in Kerala, I do that in Tripura I do that in UP. If Mayawatiji don’t like that, my apology to her but I am going to keep going what I do.”

On the cancellation of his Arunachal Pradesh tour and his visits to Left-ruled states he said, “Because of bad weather my security people said that I am not allowed to go. I mean it is a media interpretation that I am trying to go to ‘red bastion’. What I am trying to do is to develop the NSUI and the Youth Congress in the whole country. So, there is no specific strategy to going to ‘red bastion’ or somebody else’s bastion; the strategy is that we want to make NSUI and Youth Congress democratic and a strong organization across the country. At some point, we are going to everywhere. Tripura and North-eastern states we have chosen at this stage because we are doing a number of large states and we felt that we should not be doing too many large states at the same time. So, we did large state Tamil Nadu and some small state together; there is no idea of going to a ‘red bastion’.”

Speaking on the fusion of experience with young blood in Kerala Congress he said, “See, there is a general idea among the youngsters and this is in every state that progress in politics should be instantaneous. Senior leadership in Kerala has tremendous experience. It is a merger of experience and youth; it is going to most benefit the people of Kerala. The Youth Congress and the KSU in the Kerala are going to develop the future leadership of the state. They are going to work for the congress party; and they are going to work under the congress party, under the senior leadership of the congress party. There is no question in my mind about that. And I am going to absolutely ensure it. However, youngsters in both these organizations, who are capable, will also be provided space by the senior Kerala Congress, because it suits them. And because it is in everyone’s interest that Kerala Congress, KSU and Youth Congress do well in this state. So, this is a team job, there is role for the senior congress party, there is a role for our senior leaders and I will frankly say that the deepest leadership in the country in the congress party is in Kerala. We have tremendous depth in our leadership. There is a role for the senior leadership, there is a role for the congress party, there is a role for the Youth Congress and there is a role for the KSU. And we must not confuse the roles. I would like to end now because I have to go to PCC.”

Speaking on the recent talent hunt by the Youth Congress, Congress General Secretary said, “The idea behind the talent search and still remains the idea behind the talent search is; democratic elections take time. They require an institutional set up to deliver them effectively. They demand a machinery to deliver it. I just give an idea in our Tamil Nadu election, there were around 600 Youth Congress members working to deliver that election. So, the idea of talent search is that; in that intermediate period, until we are ready to start that election process, we should find talents.”

Congress has cared for all: Sonia Gandhi

Congress President Sonia Gandhi while addressing a rally in Nasik said that Congress-NCP alliance has always pursued the cause of common man and tried to fulfill their expectations. She started her speech by thanking the people for their support in the recent Loksabha election. She said, “I have come here to seek your support on the basis of the works done by Congress-NCP government We have put the common man’s cause ahead while running the coalition government over the years. We have tried our best to fulfill your expectations.”

Congress President said, “Ours is the largest democracy in the world and people are politically aware. They know well about their decisions.You have witnessed the rule of many parties but I think real power lies with the people in a democracy.” She further said, “In elections, political parties make many promises to come into power but we believe in work and our party seeks your support on the basis of schemes and programmes.”

Congress President said that the UPA government at centre and the Congress-NCP government in Maharashtra have done a lot for the welfare of people. “There have been a lot of developmental works in the field of education, health and infrastructure; this is a matter of pride,” she said.

Talking about the contribution of Rajiv Gandhi and Indira Gandhi, she said that the leaders of Congress Party had always great concern for the people of backward classes, women and poor. They initiated many schemes which brought about changes in the lives of the poor. “It is for that concern that they introduced women reservation in Panchayats which has ensured around 12 lakh women getting elected in Panchayats. Rajivji wanted to build an India where our sisters could get adequate participation in power” she said. She further said that none of the non-Congress government has cared for the poor as much as Congress did. “This is the tradition of Mahatma Gandhi, Sahooji Maharaj and Jyotiba Phule; this was the feeling of Dr. Ambedakar,” she said.

Congress President said that the UPA government launched historical Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme for the rural poor. “It has been given a legal status to provide 100-days employment to the rural poor and people are now getting employment in their village,” she said. She further said that the government also waived off the loans of farmers worth seventy one thousand crores benefiting millions of farmers. “We know the plight of our farmers who grow food grain for us and our government has also raised the Minimum Support Price for crops,” she said. Congress President said that the government of Maharashtra has given a huge package for grapes and onion producing farmers of the state.

Talking about the development of Maharashtra and Nasik, Congress President said, “A package worth Rs 22,500 crores has been okayed to better the irrigation facilities in Maharashtra. Not only that, Mumbai-Nasik expressway and many highway projects are also being executed which will help our youths to get employment.” She further said that there is no dearth of work for sincere people who want to work for the betterment of society.
Congress President said that her alliance is concerned for the people who need special attention in the development process. “For such people, we have decided to provide 25 Kilogram of food grains per month at 3 rupees a kilo,” she said.

Speaking on the accommodative development of the society she said that the government is paying attention for the development of minorities. “ Sachar Committee report is being implemented on fast scale and there are many initiatives being taken for them; there is a proposal of ITI for the students of minority community in Nasik as well,” she said.
She criticized opposition parties for not having any scheme or programme for the welfare of the people. “They don’t have any specific programme for you, they only want to play with your emotions; I want to caution you from such people,” she said.
Congress President said that Congress is the only party which cares for all the sections of society. “We contest election to be with you in the hour of your need; our leaders have taught us this duty,” she said.

She concluded her speech by appealing to all present to vote for Congress-NCP-RPI(Gavai) alliance and use their rights consciously.

Congress President surveys flood-hit districts of Andhra Pradesh

October 5, 2009, Hyderabad: Congress President Sonia Gandhi conducted an aerial survey of flood-hit districts of Andhra Pradesh today. She was accompanied by Home Minister P Chidambaram and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister K Roshaiah. She saw the devastation caused by flood in worst affected Mahboobnagar and Kurnool districts and assessed the damage. She also assessed the relief and rehabilitation measures.
Congress President landed at the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport in Hyderabad in the morning and left for flood hit areas. The worst floods in the Krishna river in 100 years have caused widespread devastation in five districts of the state, killing 37 people, rendering over 400,000 homeless and damaging crops over thousands of acres.

People should watch their leaders whether they are doing work or not : Sonia Gandhi

October 4, 2009, Sirsa(Haryana): Addressing an election rally at Sirsa(Haryana), Congress President Sonia Gandhi said that the whole country is proud of the farmers and soldiers of Haryana. “Whenever I come to this state I find the pictures of laborious farmers and brave soldiers of Haryana,” she said.

Congress President said, “I have one another reason of being proud of Haryana. This land has always shown faith and affection to our party and its leaders. Your faith is our greatest strength. Today, I am again with you as the election is nearing; I was here last time during Lok Sabha election. Haryana has shown so much support and affection for our party that all except one seat of the state went to our party. I want to say something to you regarding this coming election. You know well that in democracy, the government is elected by the people. Some people become ministers; responsibilities are given to him and they run the government. But the most important thing is that; people should watch their leaders whether they are doing development work or not.

Lakhs of farmers got the benefit of loan waiver scheme: Sonia Gandhi

October 4, 2009, Karnal(Haryana): Congress President Sonia Gandhi while addressing an election rally at Karnal(Haryana) said that the UPA government at centre has done a lot for the betterment of the farmers of Haryana. She said, “ Lakhs of farmers in your state have been benefited through the loan waiver scheme of the UPA government. It has thrown a new light to their families and life.” She said that the problems of the farmers have come down and youths are seeing a new future for themselves, thanks to the policies of Congress Party.

Speaking on the specific projects of the UPA government for the state, Congress President said, “The UPA government has helped Haryana in a big way. The changes visible here are surprising and people of the country are watching it with praise. New colleges and universities are being opened up in the state. A Central University is being set up in Mahendragarh. There are also proposals for an AIIMS and a Defence University to be set up in the state,” she said. She termed these initiatives as historical.

The success of Panchayati Raj and NAREGA needs devotion and great resolve” : Sonia Gandhi

October 2, 2009, Nagaur(Rajasthan): Congress President Sonia Gandhi while addressing a public meeting in Nagaur said that the Panchayati Raj has established its deep root in the country. Congress President was addressing a huge gathering on the occasion of the Golden Jubilee ceremony of Panchayati Raj. It was on this day in Nagaur in 1959 that India’s first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru laid the foundation of Panchayati Raj.

Ms Gandhi started her speech by thanking the people of Rajasthan for their support in recent Loksabha election. She said, “On the occasion of the birth anniversary of Gandhiji, I feel very happy to be here. During freedom movement, Mahatma Gandhi dreamt of Gramswarajya and same dream was envisioned by Jawaharlal Nehru, fifty years ago in Nagaur,” she said.

Terming India as the country of villages, Congress President said that since its start, Panchayati Raj has not only established its root in Rajasthan, it has also been strengthened in the whole of country. “Until and unless the villagers of this country feel their right to decide their fate, to solve their problems, there could not be true democracy,” she said. She said that this thinking of Mahatma Gandhi was accepted by our freedom fighters and nation builders.

Speaking on the huge success of the country in many fields, Congress President said, “Even after our success in many fields, there have been some lack in the field of Pachayati Raj due to power politics and some vested interests. In many states there were no timely elections of civic bodies and the importance of administration grew upon Panchayats and Municipalities. It weakened the voice of common people.”

Congress President said, “For our party, power is just a means to strengthen and provide respect to common people and we have tried to motivate the system towards this.” She said that when Rajiv Gandhi was Prime Minister he visited across the country, saw the life of the people and was very disturbed to see the misery of their life. “ Rajivji resolved to bring changes in the lives of villagers and struggled for that. It was due to his efforts, that later on in 1993, the Congress-led central government ensured the legal status to Panchayats,” she said. She further said that reservation was given to SCs, STs as well as to women in the Panchayats. “More than 12 lakhs women have been elected to Panchayats and raising their voices to sort out their problems,” she said.

Praising the works of Rajasthan Chief Minsiter Ashok Gehlot, Congress President said that he has started many schemes for the common people. “The central government and the government of Rajasthan are following the path of our great leaders. The government of Rajasthan has set up a BPL Jeewan Raksha Kosh for providing medical help and treatment to BPL families,” she said.

Congress President said, “The people of Rajasthan and the country have expressed their faith to the policies and schemes of the Congress Party. This is the duty of not only the government but also of workers to regard that mandate and fulfill their desire.”

Talking about the weak monsoon and the difficulties faced by farmers, she said that her government is taking adequate steps to sort out this problem. She said, “I remember when I came here three years before I talked about the water problem in this area. I know that you face acute water and electricity problem. Ashok Gehlotji has been again with us as Chief Minister and I hope he will certainly pay attention to your problems.”

She said that there are many works to be done. “As the CM has said, his government is taking many steps for the welfare of the people, but there is no end of works. We, our CM and our party are committed for the development of Nagaur and Rajasthan,” she said.

Congress President said that there must be devotion and great resolve to do a great work. “The success of Panchayati Raj and NAREGA need such type of devotion,” she appealed.
Recalling Mahatma Gandhi for his commitment for social harmony, she said, “There must be peace and development. Our country should be self-dependent and strong and we should march ahead along with the rest world.” She stressed the need of running the affairs of the country on the basis of a good ideology.

Congress President concluded her speech by expressing her best wishes to the people for Diwali.

Dalits can’t stop praising Rahul in Mayawati terrain

SHRAVASTI - A week after his unexpected forays into Uttar Pradesh’s rural areas, Dalit villagers who saw Rahul Gandhi at their doorstep are still talking about the Congress icon.
Dalits, who were stunned to see Gandhi in their midst, can’t believe that the influential politician really came to their poor homes, talked and broke bread with them — even spending a night on a string cot under the open sky in the little village of Rampur-Deogan in Shravasti district, about 250 km from the state capital Lucknow.
And for one used to comforts, the 38-year-old son of Congress president Sonia Gandhi even bathed in the open, drawing water from a hand-operated water pump.
“It was incredible. We rarely get to see the face of the local MLA (legislator) whom we have elected. Therefore a visit by someone like Rahul Gandhi will always remain etched in our memories,” said Chedda Pasi, son of the Rampur-Deogan village head.
“And we are in a village where not everyone has two meals through the day,” Pasi pointed out.
The last time any VIP was in the village, which is yet to get electricity, was 12 years ago. That was Arif Mohammad Khan.
Pasi insisted that the impromptu visit would have been the best learning experience for Gandhi.
Gandhi’s journey, aimed at understanding the ways the poor live across India, was the most significant trip by the Congress MP to any place outside of Amethi and Rae Bareli — his and his mother’s constituencies.
“It is heartening to know that he is now stepping out of the confines of Amethi and Rae Bareli,” Radhey Lal, a former village head of Dawood Nagar, about 25 km from Lucknow, told IANS. “We hope he visits us too one day.”
But the Uttar Pradesh administration, headed by Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief and Dalit leader Mayawati, is not impressed.
In contrast to Gandhi, many of even those who voted for the BSP feel that the chief minister has become virtually inaccessible to people at large.
The young Gandhi bypassed all security and protocol to walk quietly into the village in eastern Uttar Pradesh, prompting state authorities to accuse him of breaching VIP security rules and protocol.
Mayawati called the visit a “drama”. On an earlier occasion, she had alleged that Gandhi took a bath with a special soap after eating at the home of any Dalit.
But none of the criticism seems to have any impact on the villagers, overwhelmed by Gandhi’s gesture.
Uttar Pradesh Congress chief Rita Bahuguna Joshi, who was as clueless about Gandhi’s unannounced visit as the government, says he is not just India’s youth icon but an “icon of the downtrodden and the poor”.
“This has become Mayawati’s biggest worry,” she said. “The chief minister cannot imagine even in her wildest of dreams what Rahul Gandhi is actually doing to reach out to the common masses.”
By-Sharat Pradhan
Courtesy- http://blog.taragana.com/n/dalits-cant-stop-praising-rahul-in-mayawati-terrain-183715/