Rahul Gandhi in Mandsaur (Madhya Pradesh)

Rahul Gandhi tells M.P. voters: People of Chhattisgarh have decided to oust BJP, now it is your turn“The people of Chhattisgarh already decided to oust the BJP from there. You also must take such a decision to remove the BJP government from Madhya Pradesh too” urged Rahul Gandhi, the Congress Vice President, while addressing a huge Congress rally at Pipliya Mandi grounds, Malhargarh, Mandsaur in poll bound Madhya Pradesh. “Support Congress and help us to form a government of aam aadmi. Congress will form a government that works for aam aadmi, the youth, the women, the poor, the Tribal and Adivasis. That will be a government for all,” he promised.



Rahul Gandhi then questioned the development claims of the BJP and said,“What development BJP is claiming in MP? A recent UN report says that about one lakh infants died here in the past five years. BJP talks loud against corruption but the amount of corruption that happens in BJP ruled Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh are not visible for them. There are corruption allegations against about 11 BJP ministers in MP government. Did they take any action against them? Both MP and Chhattisgarh compete each other on who will do more corruption. A world championship is going on this. They forgot the Dalit and Adivasis. They could not get proper education”.

“We do not make false promises and whatever we promise, we fulfil it. We had assured Food Bill and Land Bill and we delivered on it. You have a pro-rich BJP government now in Madhya Pradesh. Here you have two parties. There is Congress which fulfils what it promises and there is BJP which forget the promises made”, added the Congress leader.

“We understand that the poor must be given equal opportunity. The BJP expects the poor to break the wall of poverty by themselves. Congress thinks that the government must remove this wall, this barrier stopping the poor from progressing, from adding quality to their life. The govt must give them the help.  That is why we initiated a right-based approach..”, said Rahul Gandhi.

The state of Madhya Pradesh goes to polls on November, 25.

Sonia Gandhi launches Rajiv Gandhi Jeevandayee Arogya Yojana (RGJAY) health scheme

Nagpur: Congress President and UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi underlined that Congress-led UPA Government is committed for the welfare of common man. She was addressing a function after launching Rajiv Gandhi Jeevandayee Arogya Yojana (RGJAY) - a health insurance scheme for poor families in Maharashtra.
Sonia Gandhi said that the Congress-led UPA government was committed to provide better healthcare facilities to aam aadmi, particularly the poor, rural women and children. The Congress-led Government in Maharashtra was doing a yeoman service for people, who will greatly benefit from the health plan, said the Congress President. Sonia Gandhi praised the state government for extending the project, which was launched on a pilot basis last year in eight districts, to the remaining 27 districts.

The UPA Chairperson explained the main features of the scheme, which will provide coverage of up to Rs 1.5 lakh for 971 health-related procedures and 121 follow-up processes. Under the plan, the poor families will not only get free treatment including surgery, post-medical care and medicines, but the patients will get paid for return journey to their respective native places from hospitals, she said. Sonia Gandhi also expressed concern over the health of women, particularly in rural areas who, she said, have a tendency of hiding their ailments just to ensure their spouses do not face monetary burden of medical bills.

The Congress President also interacted with 78 select patient-beneficiaries of the scheme at the venue. A total of 2.11 crore families are eligible to be covered under the scheme. The cashless medical insurance scheme, which has been launched in eight districts of the state including Mumbai, will now cover a total of around 2.11 crore socially disadvantaged families.
The RGJAY will cover beneficiaries under the above poverty line and below poverty line categories and Antyodaya and Annapurna ration cards holders and people with an income limit of less than Rs1 lakh annually in 30 specialised categories and 972 procedures. The scheme covers hospitalisation expenses of Rs1.50 lakh per family on a floater basis annually in empanelled hospitals. The state government has signed a memorandum of understanding with the National Insurance Company (NIC).

Presently, the scheme is being implemented in eight districts of Maharashtra – Mumbai city and suburbs, Amravati, Nanded, Dhule, Gadchiroli, Solapur and Raigad – since July 2012. It covers around 52.37 lakh families, of which, a majority are in Mumbai alone. A total of over 1.05 lakh procedures have been performed so far in these eight districts under the scheme. The earlier scheme, Jeevandayee Yojana, which the new scheme will replace, covers only four procedures related to diseases of the brain, heart, kidney and cancer. The state government will pay a premium of Rs333 plus taxes per family to the public sector NIC.

Rahul Gandhi at Balaghat in Madhya Pradesh: Empower people to tackle corruption

Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi addressed a mammoth election rally at Balaghat in poll bound Madhya Pradesh as part of his poll campaign and slammed the BJP for ignoring the welfare and upliftment of the poor. While speaking at Middle School ground, Paldogri at Lanji in the state, Rahul Gandhi continued, "Congress wants welfare and upliftment of the people, along with development. That is why we implemented schemes like MNREGA and Food Security Bill. The MNREGA guarantees jobs to every rural poor, without any discrimination. The Food Security bill is to make sure that no one lives hungry in our country. Every poor will be given food grains at Rs. 1 per kg" and added, "We need roads, airports and railway lines; infrastructure development must take place; we believe in it and the BJP does too. But we also believe that empowerment and upliftment of the people are necessary along with development".

Sonia Gandhi addresses Congress rally at Jhabua (Madhya Pradesh ), slams BJP

Congress President and UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi addressed a huge election rally at Meghnagar in Jhabua district of poll bound Madhya Pradesh on Thursday. The Congress President took on the ruling BJP government in the state for its failure to implement the Central schemes. "UPA Govt implemented Mahatma Gandhi NREGA to guarantee jobs to the rural poor and also to curb migration. But did the people of Madhya Pradesh get any benefits? No, because the state Government misused it and issued fraud job cards. The jobs which should have gone to the rural poor were taken up by the contractors".

Rahul Gandhi at Kukshi (MP) questions BJP’s development claims in the state

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Kukshi: Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi while addressing a huge election rally at Kukshi in poll bound Madhya Pradesh slammed BJP and asked what development BJP is talking about in the state where the rate of poverty is the highest as per UN report. “BJP has money to serve the elite people, but they do not have money for the poor. That is what happening in MP. UN report says poverty is the highest in MP, the percentage is equal to some African countries. About 1 lakh infants died here. What development BJP is talking about?”

Rahul Gandhi at Sidhi (Madhya Pradesh) says BJP divides people

Addressing a mammoth Congress election rally at Sidhi in poll bound Madhya Pradesh, party Vice President Rahul Gandhi launched a blistering attack on BJP by saying that while Congress treats everyone equal BJP is trying to divide the people. Rahul Gandhi began his address by explaining the difference between the ideologies of the Congress and the BJP. "On one side there is the Congress, and on other is the Opposition. But there is big difference in their thinking. Opposition believes in dividing the people - rich and poor", he said

Rahul Gandhi at Kukshi (MP) questions BJP's development claims in the state

Kukshi: Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi addressed a huge election rally at Kukshi in Dhar district of the poll bound Madhya Pradesh and asked what development BJP is talking about in the state where the rate of poverty is the highest as per UN report. Launching a blistering attack on BJP, the Congress leader said, "BJP has money to serve the elite people, but they do not have money for the poor. That is what happening in MP. UN report says poverty is the highest in MP, the percentage is equal to some African countries. About 1 lakh infants died here. What development BJP is talking about?"

Sonia Gandhi at the inauguration of the Bharatiya Mahila Bank

Prime minister Dr. Manmohan Singh inaugurated the nation's first all-women bank -- the Bharatiya Mahila Bank (BMB)- in Mumbai on Tuesday in the presence of Congress president and UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi, on the birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. Sonia Gandhi said that this was an appropriate tribute to the memory of Indira Gandhi on her birth anniversary. The Congress President also distributed the bank-kits to the first five account holders of the new bank.

Congress President Sonia Gandhi in Mizoram, 18th November 2013

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Congress President and UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi addressed a well attended election rally in Lunglei at poll bound Mizoram and lauded the efforts of the Congress government in ensuring welfare and upliftment of the common man.

Rahul Gandhi addresses election rally at Ambedkar Nagar (New Delhi)

Congress vice-president addressed a huge Congress rally in Ambedkar Nagar, Delhi. He said Every single man is equal to us whether he belongs from any community, Hindu, Muslim, Sikh or Christian or from any caste or creed and even belongs from any part of the country. You go places like Karnataka and Maharashtra and they make you run from there, especially those who come from UP and Bihar. Mrs Sheila's government has performed so well and everybody accepts that and she will do well in near future. She has done exceptionally well as far as infrastructure is concern and develops the metro as well and mono-rail is also coming to Delhi. On one hand Mrs. Sheila has work with dedication as her track record suggests on other hand there is BJP who only talks and doesn't do any work here.

Sonia Gandhi in Bhilai(Chhattisgarh)

Sonia Gandhi in Bhilai: Chhattisgarh is way behind in development due to BJP misruleBhilai: Congress President and UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi addressed a huge election rally at Bhilai in poll bound Chhattisgarh on Tuesday and hit out at the BJP government in the state for lack of development.

“The Central government sent huge funds under all these schemes for Chhattisgarh but despite this, the people are facing huge difficulties. Poverty has been on rise. I want to ask BJP what development they are talking about in Chhattisgarh. Who is progressing here? They make big promises but do nothing. You can feel the pulse of misrule by the BJP in every nook and corner of the state. Common man lives in fear. Why it is happening because the BJP government in the state is not at all bothered about its people” said the Congress President slamming the BJP misrule in the state.

“The corruption has broken all its records under BJP’s ten year regime in Chhattisgarh. CAG has pointed fingers towards several ministers and BJP leaders over corruption but the state government took no action against them. The funds sent for development by the Centre is being misused and diverted for the personal purposes” alleged the UPA Chairperson.

Highlighting the achievements of the Congress led UPA Government at the Centre, Sonia Gandhi said, “UPA government understands the sentiments of the people and realises their problems. We have therefore adopted a right-based approach. We have Right of Information Act so that any citizen of India can gather any information regarding the government functioning. By Right to Education, every child has the right for free education in government schools upto the age of 14” “Mahatama Gandhi NREGA guarantees 100 days of job guarantee for rural poor. We also brought in Food Security Bill to make sure that no one in our country lives in hunger. We enacted Right to Forest law to grant rights to the Adivasis in their lands and forest crops. We have launched “Aam Adami Beema Yojana” for workers in the unorganised sectors and also implemented schemes like old-age pension. Through Panchayati Raj system, the women were given 50% in local bodies. Similar other schemes were also implemented to the welfare and empowerment of women. All our policies are aimed at all round development and for the welfare and upliftment of the most underprivileged” she added.



“We don’t believe in making false promises. We do, whatever we say” claimed Sonia Gandhi. “Our efforts will be to ensure progress of the state and improvement in the lives of the people. We will implement schemes that the BJP-led government hasn't implemented so far” promised the Congress leader while concluding her address.

Eighteen Constituencies spread over eight districts in south Chhattisgarh went to polls on Monday while the remaining 72 segments will go into polls on November 19. As many as 985 candidates are in the fray for 90 seats.

Sonia Gandhi in Ambikapur (Chhattisgarh)

Sonia Gandhi in Ambikapur: Chhattisgarh will prosper 36 times better if Congress comes to power
Ambikapur: Congress President and UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi assured that Chhattisgarh will develop chathees (36) times better if Congress comes to power in the state. While addressing a mega Congress election rally in Ambikapur in Chhattisgarh, Sonia Gandhi launched a blistering attack on the ruling BJP government and urged the people to help Congress to form a government in the state to take it forward.

“You have a government here which did not pay attention towards development in the required manner. The state is lagging behind and the law and order situation has been deteriorating. The women here live in fear as they face several types of atrocities. The farmers live in misery. Adivasis are not getting proper price for the forest crops. and are deprived of their rights in lands. In fact their lands were grabbed forcibly. Poverty has been increasing and youth are not securing proper jobs,” said the Congress President.



Taking on BJP for its divisive agenda, Sonia Gandhi asserted, ”Divisive politics will not benefit anyone. Time has come to give a befitting reply to those who pit one against another. A wind for change is blowing in Chhattisgarh. I am confident that the people here will take a right decision to bring in positive changes. Congress always gave special priority for Chhattisgarh’s development and will continue to do so”.
Continuing her attack on BJP, the Congress leader further said, “Mere words cannot fill empty stomachs. Works with dedication and commitment are must for development. Chhattisgarh govt has been assisted by central govt to fight Naxalism. What have they done to curb Naxal menace? What happened with the Congress leaders in Chhattisgarh five months back is very shameful for the state BJP government”.

She also highlighted the policies of the central government. “The Congress-led UPA Government at the Centre implemented Mahatma Gandhi NREGA to guarantee jobs to the rural poor and to curb migration. We also brought in Food Security Bill to make sure that no one in our country lives in hunger. We also enacted Right to Forest law to grant rights to the Adivasis in their lands and forest crops. Our Land Acquisition Bill prevents any forceful land grabbing and the people are now assured with proper price for their lands acquired” and added “It is the responsibility of the state government to make sure that the people here avail the benefits of these schemes but the BJP government in Chhattisgarh failed to do so. They betrayed the people”.

Listing out the failure of the ruling BJP government in the state, Sonia Gandhi continued “Chhattisgarh has slipped back under BJP regime. The central government sent thousands of crores for development to the state but despite of this, lots of children suffer from malnutrition here. Adequate health care facilities are not available for my sisters in the state and education facilities are insufficient here. There are no proper roads. The condition of electricity is pathetic” and asked “Despite of all these, how can BJP claim development in Chhattisgarh? How can they raise fingers against Congress?”
The first phase of elections in Chhattisgarh was held on Monday the next phase will be held on 19th November.

Full text of Shri. Rahul Gandhi’s speech at Rajnandgaon (Chhattisgarh)

Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi in Kanker (Chhattisgarh) 8th November 2013We have a BJP government here in Chhattisgarh. You must be remembering that entire Congress leadership in this state was killed by Naxals few months back. On one side BJP says it is against terrorism. But here, the entire top Congress leaders including Nandkumar Patel and Shukla ji, were brutally massacred. What did the state government do after that? The leaders of BJP talk big things on terrorism and violence, but do nothing.
Nandkumar Patel had warned that he would go to the people and make them aware of the misdeeds of the BJP government here. He was a pradhan and he was well aware of your problems. I had requested him to be cautious because of the Maoist threats. He replied to me that he is a leader of common people and not afraid of any such threats. He was determined to go to the people and ultimately he was murdered.
For the past ten years BJP has been ruling Chhattisgarh. There is no problem with this state. There is no shortage for money, resources, lands or forests. Chhattisgarh is rich but people are poor. The BJP government says it is developing the state. What development they are talking about? Are the youth here getting jobs? Are you getting proper education? The people in the govt just talk big things but people get nothing.
Even the state Chief Secretary says that minister is corrupt. Have you heard such an allegation by a Chief Secretary from any other state? This can happen only in Chhattisgarh. BJP claims it's doing well and Chhattisgarh is surging ahead. People are getting killed and Maoism is increasing but they claim progress.

BJP is the champion of corruption; it is the world champion in corruption.
The state government here ignores the women too. I was in Jammu and Kashmir yesterday. We have a coalition government there. I was interacting with some of the members of our women self-help group. We have initiated the process of connecting the women with the banks. We are in the process of empowering them. It was the power of women that transformed Andhra Pradesh. Our effort in all the states ruled by Congress is to empower the youth. You can experience yourself how women play important roles in successful implementation of MNREGA. But here in Chhattisgarh, women are forgotten.
Congress believes in empowering people, the youth and the women. We gave you RTI. What is the meaning of RTI? Any Indian can get any information about the government. This ensures transparency in administration. RTI is a powerful weapon to fight corruption and Congress made RTI possible.
We gave you right to food, right to job and right to education. We are talking about the rights of the people. We want the people to take decisions, not bureaucrats. That is why we have initiated the process of giving you rights. We brought food security for the benefit of the entire country; we want to ensure food to everyone without any discrimination.

We had started a programme to train the youth in Kashmir and in the last year we could give jobs to about 15000 youngsters. About one lakh people will be able to secure jobs in immediate future. Are any such moves happened here? Any youth could secure a job here? No; you are forced to go to Maharashtra and Bangalore (Karnataka) where Congress is in power.

We have promised in our election manifesto that we will provide opportunity for the people of Chhattisgarh to secure a job here itself. This state is rich in resources. Most importantly we will empower you. It was Congress which gave you Panchayati Raj, aiming to empower the rural masses. We implemented Tribal Bill. But you could not avail any benefits.

Our country cannot move forward until we empower the common people - this has been the vision of the Congress. BJP wants that the entire power rest with the chief minister and also those with him enjoy benefits. And then they make big speeches about ensuring people benefit. They are not bothered about the people. Your Chief Minister has been claiming that all is well in Chhattisgarh. But the reality is just opposite.
21st century India wants power in the hands of the people. The people must have the right to job, right to information, right to education and right to food. This is Congress’ policy but BJP is against this. This is the difference between us.
BJP keeps on asking what Congress govt has done in the past 9 years. But they keep mum when CRPF jawans are killed and top Congress leaders are massacred here. BJP just washes their hands off.

We implemented MNREGA to guarantee jobs to the rural poor. Our Food Security bill is aiming at ensuring food to all. We gave you Land Acquisition Bill.
You know that about 6 lakh acres of lands were acquired by the BJP government here and sold it to big industrialists, but people got no benefits. I agree we need development, but the people whose lands are grabbed also must be benefitted. That is why we brought in the land bill. Not only the farmers whose lands are acquired but the labourers who work in the land also will be compensated.
BJP just talks big, makes hollow promises. Congress believes in action.

Congress is fighting this election as one. It
is the party of the common people, of the poor people, of the adivasis, labourers, Dalits, women and the youth. Congress is going to form a government here.
I want to remind you that the water, the lands and the forests here belong to you. The state belongs to you. The BJP people trying to snatch this from you, but Congress will be giving it back to you. And if you want to give your land to the industrialists, it will be your choice. No one can forcibly grab your lands without your permission.

Now I appeal to all Congress workers to go door to door and ask people to vote for Congress. Convince people to cast their votes on ‘hand’ so that we can form a government of aam aadmi here.

I was talking about attacks on our Congress leaders. These leaders were very close to the people. But they were snatched from you. In fact, the attack was not on Congress but it was on the voice of common man. Nandkumar Patel was going to become to the Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh. He was unstoppable. There was only one way to stop him and that was to kill him. That is what happened.
Nandkumar Patel was your voice. When he was killed, your voice was killed. So let us form a Congress government here to initiate the process of empowering aam aadmi, poor, adivasis and the youth.
Thank you.

Rahul Gandhi at Kanker (Chhattisgarh): Congress will form a government of aam aadmi

Kanker (Chhattisgarh): Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi on Friday addressed a massive election rally at Kanker in poll bound Chhattisgarh. While speaking on the occasion, the Congress leader hit out at the BJP government in Chhattisgarh, accusing it of snatching the rights of people, especially tribals. The Congress Vice President said that people will see a miracle once a Congress government is formed in Chhattisgarh.

Rahul Gandhi in Rajnandgaon (Chhattisgarh) slams state BJP Govt, call it champion of corruption

Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi addressed a huge election rally in Rajnandangaon at poll bound Chhattisgarh on Friday. He slammed the ruling the BJP government in the state calling it the world champions in corruption. "BJP is the champion of corruption; it is the world champion in corruption" he said.

Rahul Gandhi at Kanker (Chhattisgarh) hits out at BJP govt in the state

Rahul Gandhi at Kanker (Chhattisgarh) hits out at BJP govt in the state
Kanker (Chhattisgarh): Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi on Friday addressed his a massive election rally at Kanker in poll bound Chhattisgarh. While speaking on the occasion, the Congress leader hit out at the BJP government in Chhattisgarh, accusing it of snatching the rights of people, especially tribals. The Congress Vice President assured that a Congress Government in the state will transform Chhattisgarh and the people will start getting their rights.

“We are trying empowering the people. We talk about panchayati raj, we talk about empowering the youth, the tribals but the BJP is trying to snatch your rights” said the Congress leader slamming the ruling BJP Government in the state. “Today, what you have here is a government of industrialists. They take away your lands, forests; we want to change this. We want a government ruled by common man. Congress will come again in Chhattisgarh, everyone knows this” added Rahul Gandhi.



“I could learn that there are no teachers in schools here. Do you have adequate teachers in schools or sufficient doctors in hospitals? No; What type of government is this? Their leaders are saying, it’s a shining government, I don’t see any shining here. I sense fear in women’s heart. Youth don’t have jobs, so what type of development BJP is talking about?” asked the Congress leader and assured that Congress will form a government here and will take care of women and provide employment to the youth.

Rahul Gandhi targeted the BJP govt again by saying that it runs a pro-rich government in the state. “Today, what you have here is a government of industrialists. They take away your lands, forests; we want to change this. We want a government ruled by common man. Congress will come again in Chhattisgarh,” said the Congress leader.

Rahul Gandhi in Chhattisgarh: BJP govt is the champion of corruption

Rahul Gandhi in Chhattisgarh: BJP govt is the champion of corruption, the world champion
Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi addressed a huge election rally in Rajnandangaon at poll bound Chhattisgarh on Friday. He slammed the ruling the BJP government in the state by calling it the world champions in corruption. “BJP is the champion of corruption; it is the world champion in corruption” he said.
Referring to the brutal massacre of top Congress leaders in the state by the Maoists in the last May, he said “I was talking about attacks on our Congress leaders. These leaders were very close to the people. But they were snatched from you. In fact, the attack was not on Congress but it was on the voice of common man”. “Nandkumar Patel was going to become to the Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh. He was unstoppable. There was only one way to stop him and that was to kill him. That is what happened”, further said the Congress leader.

Launching a blistering attack on the BJP government, Rahul Gandhi commented, “For the past ten years BJP has been ruling Chhattisgarh. There is no problem with this state. There is no shortage for money, resources, lands or forests. Chhattisgarh is rich but people are poor. The BJP government says it is developing the state. What development they are talking about? Are the youth here getting jobs? Are you getting proper education? The people in the govt just talk big things but people get nothing”. “Our country cannot move forward until we empower the common people - this has been the vision of the Congress. BJP wants that the entire power rest with the chief minister and also those with him enjoy benefits. And then they make big speeches about ensuring people benefit,” Rahul Gandhi said.



“You know that about 6 lakh acres of lands were acquired by the BJP government here and sold it to big industrialists, but people got no benefits. I agree we need development, but the people whose lands are grabbed also must be benefitted. That is why we brought in the land bill. Not only the farmers whose lands are acquired but the labourers who work in the land also will be compensated” said the Congress Vice President. “BJP just talks big, makes hollow promises. Congress believes in action” he quipped.

“Congress is fighting this election as one. It is the party of the common people, of the poor people, of the adivasis, labourers, Dalits, women and the youth. Congress is going to form a government here” he assured.

Striking a chord with the big crowd, Rahul Gandhi continued “I want to remind you that the water, the lands and the forests here belong to you. The state belongs to you. The BJP is trying to snatch this from you, but Congress will be giving it back to you. And if you want to give your land to the industrialists, it will be your choice. No one can forcibly grab your lands without your permission”.
“Nandkumar Patel was your voice. When he was killed, your voice was killed. So let us form a Congress government here to initiate the process of empowering aam aadmi, poor, adivasis and the youth,” said Rahul Gandhi while concluding his speech.

The polling in Chhattisgarh is scheduled to take place in two phases, on Nov 11 and 19.

Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi's Jammu and Kashmir visit

Rahul Gandhi at Jammu and Kashmir: UPA focus is to ensure Jobs and providing training to youth

Srinagar: Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi, who is on a two-day visit to Jammu and Kashmir Pulwama on Thursday.  Rahul Gandhi inaugurated a cold-storage facility and addressed a public rally at Lassipora in Pulwama district of south Kashmir.
“Kashmir is famous for apples. We want the apples from here reach places across the world. You need better technology and other infrastructure for that. You also need better connectivity with banks,” said the Congress Vice President. He also said that the Congress-led UPA Government at the centre has been giving priority to ensure jobs for the youth in Kashmir and other states.
The Congress leader added that the educated youth must get proper skill development training too. “We have already taken several initiatives in this direction” said Rahul Gandhi and added “We also initiated several projects for women empowerment also and also sent funds for J&K. Lots of women are getting its benefits too”.
 Rahul Gandhi is also scheduled to visit Budgam to take stock of various self-help groups launched under flagship scheme ‘Umeed’ and also will attend a function organised under it at Budgam stadium. - See more at: http://www.pressbrief.in/index.php/Latest/Rahul-Gandhi-at-Jammu-and-Kashmir-UPA-focus-is-to-ensure-Jobs-and-providing-training-to-youth.html#sthash.JFztNjCR.dpuf

Srinagar: Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi, who is on a two-day visit to Jammu and Kashmir Pulwama on Thursday. Rahul Gandhi inaugurated a cold-storage facility and addressed a public rally at Lassipora in Pulwama district of south Kashmir.
“Kashmir is famous for apples. We want the apples from here reach places across the world. You need better technology and other infrastructure for that. You also need better connectivity with banks,” said the Congress Vice President. He also said that the Congress-led UPA Government at the centre has been giving priority to ensure jobs for the youth in Kashmir and other states.



The Congress leader added that the educated youth must get proper skill development training too. “We have already taken several initiatives in this direction” said Rahul Gandhi and added “We also initiated several projects for women empowerment also and also sent funds for J&K. Lots of women are getting its benefits too”.
Rahul Gandhi is also scheduled to visit Budgam to take stock of various self-help groups launched under flagship scheme ‘Umeed’ and also will attend a function organised under it at Budgam stadium.

See More :- Rahul Gandhi

Sonia Gandhi on poverty in Chhattisgarh rally

Sonia Gandhi in Chhattisgarh: BJP only talks big things, where as the Congress does the work


Congress President and UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi addressed a huge election rally in Kondagaon in the tribal-dominated Bastar region at poll bound Chhattisgarh on Thursday. She slammed the BJP government in the state for failing to deliver on promises and neglecting the safety and security of the people.
“Whether it is the fight against corruption or implementing development programmes like Land Acquisition Bill, Food Security scheme and various other social welfare initiatives, the basic difference between Congress and BJP is that BJP people only talk big things, where as the Congress does the work” said Sonia Gandhi.
Launching a blistering attack on the state BJP government, the Congress President said “BJP has been power here for the past ten years and time has come to examine what did the people of Chhattisgarh got from the BJP regime? BJP claims big but the reality is while the rate of poverty came down in many states, it has been on rise in Chhattisgarh due to the misrule by the BJP government here. The state has been lagging behind in many other development indices too. It is slipping back in education, health and social welfare. The people of Chhattisgarh are feeling insecure due to the growing crimes and atrocities. The BJP government here also ignores the issues of the farmers making their life more miserable”.

“You are very well about the law and order situation here. So many innocent people were killed in the Naxal violence. In last May, my colleagues in Congress sacrificed their life. We are very sad for it and further we are feeling their absence in a big way today,” she said. The UPA Government at the Centre has been extending all possible help to control the Naxalist violence here but the truth is that the Chhattisgarh Government is only making big statements but does nothing to ensure safety and security of the people” continued Sonia Gandhi.
“Congress has a history of sacrifices. It has a history of working of development and upliftment and welfare of every section of the society. We will always adhere to this principle for ever” said the Congress President. She then urged the people to vote for Congress so that it can form a government in the state. “We must make sure that we will not fall in the trap of false promises by anyone” warned Sonia Gandhi while concluding her address.
The polling in Chhattisgarh will take place in two phases on November 11 and 19.
- See more at: http://www.pressbrief.in

Sonia Gandhi speaks Congress rally in Chhattisgarh, slams BJP govt for neglecting security

Congress President and UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi launched her campaign in poll-bound Chhattisgarh on Thursday by addressing a huge election rally at Kondagaon in the tribal-dominated Bastar region. She blamed the BJP government's mis-governance in the state for a rise in poverty here. "You have to introspect whether the state government has given you anything," the Congress president said. Chiding the state government for failing to curb Naxal violence, Sonia Gandhi sought to remind the party supporters that "Congress leaders have sacrificed their life in the fight against Naxal violence".

Rahul Gandhi in Pulwama (Jammu and Kashmir) speaks after inaugurating cold-storage factory

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Srinagar: Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi, who is on a two-day visit to Jammu and Kashmir Pulwama on Thursday. Rahul Gandhi inaugurated a cold-storage facility and addressed a public rally at Lassipora in Pulwama district of south Kashmir.

Rahul Gandhi: Focus of UPA has been to empower youth

Srinagar: Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi, who is on a two-day visit to Jammu and Kashmir Pulwama on Thursday.  Rahul Gandhi inaugurated a cold-storage facility and addressed a public rally at Lassipora in Pulwama district of south Kashmir.

“Kashmir is famous for apples. We want the apples from here reach places across the world. You need better technology and other infrastructure for that. You also need better connectivity with banks,” said the Congress Vice President. He also said that the Congress-led UPA Government at the centre has been giving priority to ensure jobs for the youth in Kashmir and other states. 

The Congress leader added that the educated youth must get proper skill development training too. “We have already taken several initiatives in this direction” said Rahul Gandhi and added “We also initiated several projects for women empowerment also and also sent funds for J&K. Lots of women are getting its benefits too”.

Rahul Gandhi is also scheduled to visit Budgam to take stock of various self-help groups launched under flagship scheme ‘Umeed’ and also will attend a function organised under it at Budgam stadium.

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Sonia Gandhi in Chhattisgrah addresses Congress election rally

Congress President and UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi in Chhattisgrah addresses Congress election rally.

Rahul Gandhi in Pulwama (J&K) addresses gathering after inaugurating cold-storage factory

Srinagar: Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi, who is on a two-day visit to Jammu and Kashmir Pulwama on Thursday. Rahul Gandhi inaugurated a cold-storage facility and addressed a public rally at Lassipora in Pulwama district of south Kashmir.

कांग्रेस उपाध्यक्ष श्री राहुल गांधी ने जम्मू-कश्मीर के अपने दो दिवसीय दौरे के पहले दिन जम्मू संभाग के पंचायत प्रतिनिधियों को संबोधित किए

जम्मू-कश्मीर में सरपंच का, पंच का या लोकल बॉडी के जो नेता है उनका अधिकार क्या है बता दो हमको? कोई अधिकार है आपका? देखिए इक्कीसवी सदी के राजनीति में पंच, सरपंच व लोकल बॉडी के नेताओं को शक्ति देनी पड़ेगी। क्योंकि जो निर्णय लिया जाएगा वह गांव में लिया जाएगा। छोटे-छोटे कस्बों में लिया जाएगा और आपके बिना यह काम किया नहीं जा सकता। जम्मू और कश्मीर को बदलना है तो दो-तीन चीजे करनी है। सबसे पहले और सबसे जरूरी जो हमारे सरपंच है जो हमारे लोकल बॉडी के नेता हैं उनको पावर देनी है। उनको जिम्मेदारी देनी है। दूसरी बात जो जम्मू-कश्मीर के युवा है उनको ट्रेनिंग देनी है और उनको रोजगार दिलवाना है।

तीसरी बात जो जम्मू और कश्मीर की रीढ़ की हड्डी  है। जो हमारी महिलाएं है, जो मुझे यहां कम दिखाई दे रही हैं आज। उनकी मद्द करनी है। इन तीन चीजों को कांग्रेस पार्टी आगे बढ़ाने की कोशिश कर रही है। हिमायत का प्रोग्राम है, उम्मीद का प्रोग्राम है। हजारों युवाओं को हम रोजगार व ट्रेनिंग दे रहे है। जो जानकारी आपके पास है, गांव की जानकारी, छोटे-छोटे कस्बों की जानकारी, वह मिनिस्टर के पास और एमएलए व एमपी के पास नहीं है। उनके पास दूसरी जानकारी है, उनका दूसरा रोल है। उनका कानून बनाने में रोल है। मगर लोकल काम करने का रोल आपका है।

यहां हमारी सरकार है और मैं आपको एक बात कहना चाहता हूं कि हमारा दबाव यहां पूरा है और 73वें 74वें संशोधन को यहां पर हम आगे बढ़ाएंगे और लागू करेंगे। आपका जो हक है वह आपको मिलेगा और यह लड़ाई मैं आपके लिए लडूंगा। मैं यहां आता रहूंगा, दबाव ड़ालता रहूंगा, जब तक यह काम नहीं हुआ। रिफ्यूजी की बात और मैं जानता हूं कि उनको कष्ट होता है। उनको भी मैं कहना चाहता हूं कि कांग्रेस पार्टी आपकी लड़ाई लड़ेगी और जो भी हम आपके लिए कर सकते हैं हम करेंगे। अंबिका जी ने बार्डर की बात की बिल्कुल सहीं बात है। हमारी लड़ाई आपके साथ है। हम आपके साथ खड़े है और जो भी हम जम्मू-कश्मीर के लिए कर सकते है हम करने को तैयार है। मैं चाहता हूं कि जम्मू-कश्मीर की जनता को शक्ति मिले, अधिकार मिले। अभी मैने चीफ मिनिस्टर से बात की भोजन के अधिकार के बारे में। उनके कंसर्ट थे कि थोड़ा कम भोजन आएगा भोजन के अधिकार से और हमने उनसे कहा कि देखिए यही समस्या केरला मे थी, यही समस्या तमिलनाडु में थी और हमने, दिल्ली की सरकार ने उनकी मद्द की। जिस प्रकार हमने उनकी मद्द की उसी प्रकार हम आपकी भी मद्द करने वाले हैं।

तो भोजन का अधिकार यहां पर लागू होना चाहिए और जो भी कमियां हैं हम उनको पूरा कर देंगे, कोई प्राब्लम नहीं है। क्योंकि हम चाहते है कि जो भी फायदा यूपीए की सरकार बाकी प्रदेशों को दे रही है, चाहें वह भोजन का अधिकार हो, भूमि अधिग्रहण बिल की बात हो, पंचायती राज की बात हो, जो भी हम बाकि प्रदेशों में कर रहे है, हम जम्मू-कश्मीर में करे। जितनी मजबूती हम सरपंचों व पंचों को हम बाकि प्रदेशों में दे रहे हैं, हम यहां देना चाहते है। अगर आप केरला जाएं, तमिलनाडु जाएं, वहां राजनीति में मजा आता है। क्यों? क्योंकि सरपंचों के पास अधिकार है। डिस्ट्रिक्ट प्लान बनते है, लोकल पार्टिसिपेशन होता है, मीटिंग होती है, जनता की बाते निकलती है। यही राजनीतिक भविष्य है और यही जम्मू-कश्मीर में होगा।

मैं यहां इसलिए आया हूं, मैं आपको आश्वासन देना चाहता हूं कि आने वाले समय में आपको अधिकार मिलेगे और जब तक नहीं मिलेगा मैं यहां आता रहूंगा और आपकी लड़ाई लड़ता रहूंगा। जो भी इश्यू है, रिजर्वेशन की बात है, महिलाओं की रिजर्वेशन की बात है। उन इश्यू को हम रिजॉल्व करके आपके अधिकार को हम आपको देने वाले हैं। बस यही मेरा आपके लिए संदेश है। देखिए पहली बात यह है कि अगर मैं आपकी बात नहीं सुनना चाहता तो मुझे यहां आने की कोई जरूरत नहीं पड़ती। मैं यहां इसलिए आया हूं क्योंकि मैं आपकी बात सुनना चाहता हूं और मैं आपकी लड़ाई लड़ना चाहता हूं। भूमि अधिग्रहण बिल को लाने के लिए भट्टा पारसौल में लड़ाई शुरू हुई और भूमि अधिग्रहण बिल आया। कितना समय लगा? साल, डेढ़ साल लगा। आपको ये लड़ाई लड़नी है और हम आपके साथ खड़े हैं। राज्य सरकार पर दबाव डालेंगे।

आप घबराओं मत और यह काम हम करके दिखाएंगे। मगर यह काम एक मिनट में नहीं होने वाला है। इस काम के लिए आपको एक साथ खड़ा होना पड़ेगा। एक साथ लड़ना पड़ेगा। हम सबको एक साथ मिलकर दबाव डालना पड़ेगा। ये मुफ्त में नहीं मिलने वाला है। आप यह मत सोचों कि एक मिनट में यह काम किया जा सकता है। मगर हम आपको यह आश्वासन देना चाहता हूं कि यह काम हम करके दिखाएंगे। हम आपके साथ खड़े है और यह काम सौ प्रतिशत होगा। आप सब दूर-दूर से आये इसके लिए आप सबका धन्यवाद, नमस्कार।

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Rahul Gandhi stresses more powers to local body leaders at Panchayat leaders meet in Jammu

Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi began his two-day visit to Jammu and Kashmir from Wednesday by addressing a panchayat leaders’ conference at Jammu. Speaking to a gathering of panchayat members and sarpanches, Rahul Gandhi said in the present political environment, local leaders need to be empowered. “In 21st century politics, the local leaders need to be empowered” asserted the Congress Vice President. “If the situations need to change in J&K, we need to give power and responsibilities to our Sarpanches and local bodies” he added.

“If we want to change J&K we should focus on two-three factors. The local leaders need to be empowered; youth need to be given proper skill development training and employment; and finally the women in J&K, who are our backbone, have to be helped” explained Rahul Gandhi.

Since 2004, there is UPA Government in Delhi and our focus since 2004 has been on giving rights to people of this country. We passed the food security bill. We didn't want anyone to be hungry in this country. Look at our programs, MNREGA or Food security bill, the truth is that without Panchayati Raj and Sarpanches, these programs can't function.

These programs develop from villages. Sarpanches and Panchayats will have to support the government. Some critical decisions will be taken in small villages, and we can't do it without your cooperation. If the situations need to change in J&K, we need to give power and responsibilities to our Sarpanches and local bodies.

What power a sarpanch or panch posses in J&K? Does a sarpanch, local body leader in Jammu and Kashmir have any powers? In 21st century politics, the local leaders need to be empowered. Normally the major decisions are being taken by the government behind closed doors, but without you those cannot be implemented. If we want to change J&K we should focus on two-three factors. The local leaders need to be empowered; youth need to be given proper skill development training and employment; and finally the women in J&K, who are our backbone, have to be helped. I can't see many women here today.  This has been the focus of the Congress party too. We are providing training to thousands of youth under our schemes Himayat and Umeed.

What you can do, no MLA or minister can do. The local work needs to be done by you - that is your role. The roles of MLAs and ministers are different. They are lawmakers. But it is your responsibility to take decisions on local issues and to implement it. We have a government supported by us and we will fight for the rights of the people.  We will implement 73rd, 74th Amendment here. You will get your rights, I will fight for you. I will keep coming here till you get your rights.

I am also aware of the issues of the refuges here. I understand their difficulties. I want to assure them that the Congress party will extend all possible help for them and will fight for their rights too.
Ambika Soni ji had just spoken about the border issues. We will stand by you in your fight. We will do whatever possible for  the people of Jammu and Kashmir. We want to empower you. We want to ensure that you get your rights.

I have just spoken to the Chief Minister about Food Security Bill and he was concerned that a little less food will be allocated under the new law. The states like Kerala also had the same issue and the Centre took adequate remedial measures to solve those problems. We will do the same in Jammu and Kashmir too. We want the law implemented here as well and we will make up the deficit. Whatever we are doing in the rest of the states, we want to do that in J&K. Food security Bill, land acquisition bill and Panchayati raj need to be implemented in J&K also like in any other state.

Look at Kerala where the Sarpanchs are empowered.  There are local body meetings, district body meetings and people’s opinions are heard. That is the political future and that is what should happen in J&K. We should follow what states like Kerala & Tamil Nadu are doing in terms of local governance. I will make sure that this happens in J&K too and I will fight for you to achieve it and until it happens I will keep coming back. The Congress will resolve issues of reservation, women's rights and empower the people of J&K.

This is what I wanted to tell you. Thank you very much.

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Rahul Gandhi in J&K, addresses Panchayat leaders conference at Jammu

Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi began his two-day visit to Jammu and Kashmir from Wednesday by addressing a panchayat leaders' conference at Jammu. "If we want to change J&K we should focus on two-three factors. The local leaders need to be empowered; youth need to be given proper skill development training and employment; and finally the women in J&K, who are our backbone, have to be helped" explained Rahul Gandhi.

Rahul Gandhi speaks at Panchayat leaders meet at Jammu stresses for more powers to local body leaders

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Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi began his two-day visit to Jammu and Kashmir from Wednesday by addressing a panchayat leaders’ conference at Jammu. Speaking to a gathering of panchayat members and sarpanches, Rahul Gandhi said in the present political environment, local leaders need to be empowered. “In 21st century politics, the local leaders need to be empowered” asserted the Congress Vice President. “If the situations need to change in J&K, we need to give power and responsibilities to our Sarpanches and local bodies” he added. “If we want to change J&K we should focus on two-three factors. The local leaders need to be empowered; youth need to be given proper skill development training and employment; and finally the women in J&K, who are our backbone, have to be helped” explained Rahul Gandhi. Rahul Gandhi struck a chord with the participants in the conference by saying “We have a government supported by us and we will fight for the rights of the people. We will implement 73rd, 74th Amendment here. You will get your rights, I will fight for you. I will keep coming here till you get your rights” and the gathering greeted it with loud applauds. “Whatever we are doing in the rest of the states, we want to do that in J&K. Food security Bill, land acquisition bill and Panchayati raj need to be implemented in J&K also like in any other state,” commented the Congress leader.

Sonia Gandhi congratulates scientists for successful Indian Mars mission

NEW DELHI: Congress President and UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi congratulated the scientists  for the successful launch of Mars Orbiter Mission, saying every Indian is proud of this outstanding scientific feat.

"Sonia Gandhi has lauded the Indian space scientists for their successful launch of the historic Mangalyaan (Mars craft) Mission. Every Indian is proud of this outstanding scientific feat by our great scientists," an All India Congress Committee (AICC) release said.

Sonia Gandhi’s congratulatory message came as the country today embarked on its maiden Mars odyssey with its polar rocket carrying Mars Orbiter Mission (MOM) successfully lifting off from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in its first- ever inter-planetary expedition in a bid to join a select band of nations.

The lift-off of ISRO's workhorse launch vehicle PSLV C25 at 2.38 PM from the spaceport in Sriharikota, about 100 km from Chennai, was witnessed among others by Minister of State in PMO, V Narayanasamy, U.S. Ambassador to India, Nancy Powell, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) chairman K Radhakrishnan and a host of other officials.

The mission is aimed at establishing the country's capability to reach the Red Planet and focussing on looking for the presence of methane, an indicator of life, in Mars. European Space Agency (ESA) of the European consortium, National Aeronautics and Space Administration ( NASA) of the US and Roscosmos of Russia are the three agencies which have successfully sent their missions to the planet.

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Rahul Gandhi addresses Panchayat leaders' meet at Jammu

Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi began his two-day visit to Jammu and Kashmir from Wednesday by addressing a panchayat leaders' conferences. While speaking on the occasion, he stressed for the need to empower the panchayats for attaining proper development.

Sonia Gandhi addresses the Indira Gandhi National Integration Award function

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Congress President and UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi while speaking at the Indira Gandhi National Integration Award function in New Delhi hit out at the RSS and BJP indirectly. “There is a danger from some ideologies, organisations and people who want to divide us”, said the Congress President without naming anyone. The award was given to noted agriculture scientist M S Swaminathan. Sonia Gandhi further said, “We have always kept national unity as our top priority. .. We need to remember Indira Gandhi’s courage and her sentiments so that we can fight that fear with conviction.” She also lauded the public sector’s efforts that connected people of various regions in the country.

Sonia Gandhi at Indira Gandhi National Integration Award function warns against divisive forces

Congress President and UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi while speaking at the Indira Gandhi National Integration Award function in New Delhi hit out at the RSS and BJP indirectly. "There is a danger from some ideologies, organisations and people who want to divide us", said the Congress President without naming anyone. The award was given to noted agriculture scientist M S Swaminathan.

Sonia Gandhi warns against divisive forces at Indira Gandhi National Integration Award function

Congress President and UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi while speaking at the Indira Gandhi National Integration Award function in New Delhi hit out at the RSS and BJP indirectly. “There is a danger from some ideologies, organisations and people who want to divide us”, said the Congress President without naming anyone. The award was given to noted agriculture scientist M S Swaminathan.

Sonia Gandhi further said, “We have always kept national unity as our top priority. We need to remember Indira Gandhi’s courage and her sentiments so that we can fight that fear with conviction.” She also lauded the public sector’s efforts that connected people of various regions in the country,
Sonia Gandhi also commented that not much attention is paid to uniting different parts of the country and their people these days. While referring the difficult times of 1960s when India had faced foodgrain shortage and had to import foodgrains, Sonia Gandhi praised Indira Gandhi’s efforts and the role of Swaminatahan in making India self-reliant in the agriculture sector. “During that time too, there were people who would criticise and find faults and there were people who would not have trust. But despite all this, it was achieved well,” said the Congress President.

Sonia Gandhi recalled that among the challenges of independent India in terms of national unity was of creation of modern economic situation and institutions with special emphasis on agriculture production and distribution and development of agriculture techniques. The Congress President also reminded that that when most of the states were facing famine, Indira Gandhi took a pledge to achieve self-reliance in foodgrains.

While addressing the function, Prime minister Dr Manmohan Singh recalled the late Prime Minister’s contribution in the social and economic development of the masses and said she wanted to take the benefits of development to weaker sections of the society. ““There is a need to follow the path shown by Indira Gandhi as never before. Today, in some parts of the country, attempts are being made to divide the society on the basis of religion, caste and communities,” Singh said.. He added that it would not be wrong to say that India could achieve the Green Revolution due to Indira Gandhi’s leadership and Swaminathan’s efforts. “It was based on this foundation that today we have been able to bring in Food Security Act,” he said, referring to the legislation.

In his award acceptance speech, Dr. Swaminathan said when India had to import 10 million tonnes of foodgrain, Indira Gandhi planned creating a foodgrain reserve of the same quantity. He said food security helped India achieve an independent foreign policy. He said India’s help to people from the then East Pakistan and the nuclear testing were a result of its confidence it achieved through food security.

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Remembering Indira Gandhi on her 29th death anniversary

"I don't mind if my life goes in the service of the nation. If I die today every drop of my blood will invigorate the nation". In these last words of Indira Gandhi, India’s former Prime Minister, there was courage, belief and faith.

Indira Priyadarshini Gandhi, who served as the Prime Minister of India for three consecutive terms (1966-77) and a fourth term (1980-84) was assassinated on 31 October in 1984. The assassination which changed the history of India was said to have been motivated by Operation Blue Star, an attack on Sikh separatists holed up in Golden Temple complex in Amritsar.

At twelve years of age, Indira Priyadarshini became the leader of a children’s group, whose purpose was to help end British control in India. In 1938, she joined the Indian National Congress Party, something she always longed to do. In 1942, she married Feroze Gandhi. Soon after the couple was married, they were sent to prison on charges of subversion by the British.

Noted for her charismatic authority and political astuteness, Indira Gandhi adhered to the progressive policies of industrial development that were begun by her father, Jawaharlal Nehru, who became the Prime Minister after India won its independence in 1947. As a minister, Indira Gandhi encouraged and started a family planning program. She also promoted the views of Nehru to establish India’s stability and security interests as independent from those of the nuclear superpowers, by authorizing the development of nuclear weapons in 1967.

On the international plane too she left her distinct imprint whether as the chairperson of the Non-Aligned Movement or as a champion of environmental protection at various global fora. In all such activities she came in direct conflict with international vested interests entrenched in the West. She was intensely disliked by the prevailing leaderships of the US under Richard Nixon and Ronald Reagan who held her in profound distrust. She endeared herself to almost all the prominent leaders of the newly independent developing states of Africa, Latin America and the Arab world.

She was also the leader who transformed India’s chronic food shortages into surplus production of wheat, rice, cotton and milk through the Green Revolution. On Nehru’s death in 1964, Indira Gandhi was elected to Parliament in his place. After acting as Minister of Information and Broadcasting (1964-6), Indira Gandhi became Prime Minister on the death of Lal Shastri in 1966. In 1971, her popularity made her win again by an enormous margin. The second female in the world to hold the office of prime minister, after Sirimavo Bandaranaike of Sri Lanka, Indira Gandhi remains the world’s second longest serving female Prime Minister as of 2011.

Indira Gandhi is today best remembered for her ”Garibi Hatao” slogan during the fifth general elections in March 1971, the successful leadership during the 1971 war against Pakistan, the nationalization of all banks in the country in 1969, the ‘Green Revolution’ under her leadership, and the Lenin Peace Prize (for 1983-84) and as  India’s first women Prime Minister.

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