Rahul Gandhi addresses tribal’s

Camp: Bhawanipatana ( Kalahandi )
Date: 7th March 2008



“ All members of my family, my grandmother Indira Gandhi, my father Rajiv Gandhi have shared a deep relationship with the people of Kalahandi. I will carry this legacy forward. A few people had mentioned that since this is a very far flung area, I had great difficulty getting here. I’d like to say that I had no difficulty at all. I am very happy to be here. I am very happy to meet you. I have spoken to you, my tribal brothers and sisters. I have understood your problems.
India is moving ahead at a very fast pace today. In a way, we are moving towards the formation of two India’s. One India which is moving forward…where there is education, employment and health. And another India which is moving backwards!
When UPA government came to power in 2004, we promised that this government was the common man’s government. I am happy that for the past four years the UPA government has delivered on it’s promises…promise of education, health and employment.
People who need employment will have to be given minimum employment for 100 days. But this program which is supposed to be followed in the rest of the country is not being implemented properly in Orissa. You have to step forward. You have to demand from the state government your rights, the right to employment.
In 2008, a very important bill was passed by the parliament, an important bill for our brothers and sisters, the tribal bill. Through this bill you will have security of your land.
This morning I was at a village. I asked them, how many people live here. I was told that 8000 people lived in the village. I then asked them, how many of the villagers were graduates, people who have gone to universities. I was told that 20 people were graduates here but all of them were living in cities doing jobs.
If you want to move head, specially the youth, you have to educate yourself. You need colleges and schools. I began by saying that me and my family have a strong relationship with the people of Kalahandi. I would like to tell you that your battle is my battle. You have a brother called Rahul Gandhi, who hear’s your voice loud and clear. To conclude I’d like to ask the youth of Kalahandi to come forward and help in development and change of this region “
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