Lok Sabha polls: Rahul Gandhi kick-starts campaign in Uttar Pradesh

Rahul Gandhi launches Congress campaign for Lok Sabha polls in UP
Lucknow: Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi has launched his party’s Lok Sabha polls campaign in Uttar Pradesh. The Congress Member of Parliament from UP’s Amethi, Rahul Gandhi, paid obeisance at the dargah of renowned Sufi saint Haji Waris Ali Shah and held a road show in Barabanki on Friday.
The Congress leader arrived at Lucknow in the morning and held an informal interaction with editors and bureau chiefs of various media organisations. Later, he met aanganwadi workers and women self-help group members at a village on the outskirts of the state capital. During the meeting, he laid stress on women empowerment and promised to take up their problems.
After the meeting, the Congress Vice President left for the Deva Sharif dargah in Barabanki where he offered a 'chadar'. On the route to the dargah, Rahul Gandhi was accorded warm welcome at Mati and Gopalpur by activists of Congress' youth and student wings.
During the road show along, Congress workers and locals showered flowers on him. Excitement was visible specially in Barabanki town where youths gathered on both sides of the road to get a glimpse of their favourite leader.
At the railway station road and Lucknow-Faizabad road, Gram Rojgar Welfare Association and MNREGS Technical Assistant Welfare Association complained to him about non-payment of their honorarium. Rahul Gandhi patiently listened to the, received their memorandum, and assured them of necessary action. In Lajpatnagar locality, a Sikh dominated area in Barabanki city, some people tried to tie a turban on him but when they failed to do so due to security reasons, he took it and put it around his neck amidst cheers.
During his meeting with aanganwadi workers and self-help group members, Rahul Gandhi stressed that women empowerment was a must for the country's development and called upon them to identify their strength. "Women would have to identify their strength and become self reliant to improve the future of their families and the country," Rahul Gandhi said at Sarai Shekh village of Chinhat. The Congress Vice President pointed out that through self-help groups lakhs of women had found employment and were making important contribution to their family income. During the meeting, aanganwadi workers raised the issue of delay in payment of their honorarium. Promising help, Gandhi exhorted them to come forward and fight for their own cause.
On Saturday, he will hold a road show, address a public gathering and also will have an enteractive session with the rickshaw pullers at Varanasi Railway station.

Rahul Gandhi in Assam, interacts with women, Part 02

Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi who was on a two-day visit to Assam reiterated his party's call for strengthen women participation in all sectors of the country. He was addressing a group of 600 women from different walks of life before concluding his two-day visit to Assam. "We always try to give some top posts like President, Prime Minister, chief minister, MP and MLA to women. We also want them to get top powerful positions in all sectors. We hope women will come forward in all sectors and be powerful," said Rahul Gandhi.

Rahul Gandhi in Assam, interacts with women, Part 01

Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi who was on a two-day visit to Assam reiterated his party's call for strengthen women participation in all sectors of the country. He was addressing a group of 600 women from different walks of life before concluding his two-day visit to Assam. "We always try to give some top posts like President, Prime Minister, chief minister, MP and MLA to women. We also want them to get top powerful positions in all sectors. We hope women will come forward in all sectors and be powerful," said Rahul Gandhi.

Rahul Gandhi in Assam interacts with students at Guwahati 02

Guwahati: Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi, who is on a two-day visit to Assam, interacted with students from North East on Tuesday at Don Bosco University in Guwahati. "I see each one of you have a lot of will and will have immense potential", he said.

Rahul Gandhi in Assam interacts with students at Guwahati 01

Guwahati: Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi, who is on a two-day visit to Assam, interacted with students from North East on Tuesday at Don Bosco University in Guwahati. "I see each one of you have a lot of will and will have immense potential", he said.

Rahul Gandhi interacts with students in Assam, says we learn from failure, not from success

Rahul Gandhi interacts with students in Assam, says we learn from failure, not from success
Guwahati: Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi, who is on a two-day visit to Assam, interacted with students from North East on Tuesday at Don Bosco University in Guwahati. "I see each one of you have a lot of will and will have immense potential”, he said.
The Congress vice-president also sought to assure the people of North- East migrating to other parts of the country for livelihood. Referring to the recent death of Arunachal Pradesh student Nido Taniam in Delhi over a trivial issue, Rahul Gandhi said “ignorance is the cause of what happened to Nido in Delhi.”
“People, generally, are not bad; but sometimes people get angry and act accordingly. When politicians come and say bad things it affects the citizens,” said Rahul Gandhi. Noting that he found inspiration in Mahatma Gandhi's ideologies, the Congress Vice President further said, “We have to tell people that they are a part of the country and are loved; anger needs to be eradicated."
“We need to give people the political power. I want students from Assam become MLAs, MPs, CM and PM. You are the future.. We must focus on connectivity; proposed corridors will benefit NE; we must focus on education for more development in NE... We can't solve all our problems in just few days; the solution to solve our issues is to empower our people” he said replying to various queries by the participants. “Compared to other countries, India is doing pretty well. We are the second fastest growing economy in the world," he told the gathering.
“Sometimes we forget how big our India is; it is growing faster than any other country” he said. On a question whether we should still continue with the system of reservation, Rahul Gandhi said, “The real problem is that there no sufficient seats in universities; if that is solved, the questions on reservation will end” and added, “There are still places in India, where one community is not allowed to fetch drinking water from wells used by high castes”.
On education, Rahul Gandhi commented, “Education system must be more student based; it should be connected to all spheres; it must have a good widen network.. We must reform our education system. It needs lots of changes to be made”.
“The single biggest problem in NE is the connectivity issue, whether by roads, trains or flights. This must be focussed on” said the Congress leader. “We have started to go to people to seek their opinion on Manifesto. No other party ever did so” said Rahul Gandhi.
Replying to another question on prevailing caste system, the Congress MP quipped, “If we empower people and give them proper space in politics, the casteism will end”. “People fight each other when there is communication gap.. if we listen each other, e chances for conflict is less” he commented.”
Stressing for the need of ensuring safety and equality for women, Rahul Gandhi said, “I come from a family where women are treated well. My father treated my sister and me the same way.. Why no one wants to talk about how & why women in India are insulted? How can we be a Super Power without equality? Women are suffering every day. Rape is an extreme manifestation. Girls are killed at birth.. We can never be a super power if our women do not feel safe in our country”.
“Women are more capable than men; they are more intelligent” said Rahul Gandhi amid big applauds from the participants. “Women should feel safe at anytime; 50% of our population is women; we want more women in Parliament, assemblies.. “ continued the Congress leader.
About North-East affairs, Rahul Gandhi said, “We can develop only if we are well connected; we need to improve on this at NE; we will give more attention to this”
When a girl from the gathering asked Rahul Gandhi, “Is it pen, gun or microphone that is most powerful weapon for change?” Rahul Gandhi immediately shot back, “It is the brain” and explained ”Even if we want to use a pen, gun or sword, we must have brain”.
“We must understand what do people really want; we must listen to them” he replied to another question, and added, “You have to look at other people, respect them; then only we can bring in changes”. “We have millions of people with different culture. That is our strength too. We unite when time demands, “ he said further.
Nothing can be built on anger, he reminded the students. “If someone is angry then we have to go to that person, talk to realise the issue”. “The first change in India that I want is the stable harmony amongst the people from different walks of life.. We don't want an India where one religion feels they are not safe in India, where women feel unsafe.. I believe in Mahatma Gandhi. Every conflict can be resolved with peace and brotherhood. Many of the conflicts take place because we don't empower people enough.. We can achieve success by love, affection and talking to people; that is what Gandhi ji taught us” said the Congress leader.
“The more power we give to the people, the youth, the less will be the conflicts” asserted Rahul Gandhi. “Assam back in peace because we involved people in discussions; and with their help we could achieve this” he said adding “Governance should be done by giving as many powers to the people”.
“Our systems don't serve the end-user. You have no input in your education. We have to build education system around you” he told the students. “Some politicians come here and make speeches and go back.. I am here to listen to you” he assured.
“To promote manufacturing, you have to promote entrepreneurship. We have to enable people like you to start something.. We can learn many things from failure; we actually can't learn much from success” suggested Rahul Gandhi.

Rahul Gandhi in Assam, interacts with Tribal groups in Guwahati

Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi, on the first day of his Assam visit, interacted with tribal leaders at Guwahati on Tuesday. The Congress leader further told tribal leaders that he wants to "include you all in our choice for candidates" for the Lok Sabha polls. "Not only your MLA but you can also choose you candidate for Lok Sabha polls," Rahul Gandhi said.

Rahul Gandhi in Assam: Mahatma Gandhi taught us that revolution is brought with peace

Rahul Gandhi in Assam: Leaders do not change the world, it is the people who make it possible

Guwahati: Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi addressed a huge party rally in Guwahati as part of his campaign in Assam for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls
In a jibe at Bharatiya Janata Party and its prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi, the Congress leader commented, “Nowadays, some leaders come to you and promise you that they would change the state and the world. But the fact is that it is the people who bring in changes. Leaders do not change the world, it is the people who change the world”. "What has been done in 70 years, BJP claims it can do in it in three months. This is a mockery of the people as what has happened in the last seven decades is because of the people”, he added.
“There are two types of leaders. The first type is those leaders who go to the people, mingle with them, listen to their issues and wish to give them more power. This is the way Congress thinks. And on the other side, there are leaders who snatch power from the people. I am not of that type. I do not want your power but want to give you more strength, instead. It is you, who must take our country forward. You have strength and the potential to do so” continued Rahul Gandhi.
Again in an indirect attack on BJP, the Congress Vice President said further, “Nowadays, some leaders come to you and promise you that they would change the state and the world. But the fact is that it is the people who bring in changes. Leaders do not change the world; it is the people who change the world” and also remarked, “Mahatma Gandhi taught us that revolution is brought with peace”. “Opposition talks about corruption but the most powerful and historical instrument against it in the form of RTI was given by our government. What was done in closed doors by bureaucrats can be known by any common citizen by filing an RTI” argued Rahul Gandhi.
Highlighting the achievements of the Congress-led UPA Government at the Centre, the Congress leader said, “We brought the Tribal bill for the adivasis. We fought with Vedanta at Niyamgiri and gave the lands back to the tribals. We fought for the farmers’ rights in Batta-Parsaul and enacted the Land Acquisition law. We waived-off the loans of the poor farmers worth Rs 60000 crores. We did all these with love and respect, not with anger. This has been our policy”.
“BJP wants to finish Congress. But they do not know that Congress is not a party, but it is an ideology which cannot be removed from the hearts and minds of the people. It is ideology to love each other, respect all. BJP talks of Hindutva but did not read Gita. The Gita talks of respecting all, working with love and not to be arrogant. The same has been said in Quran, Gurugranth Sahib” said the Congress Vice President and added, “This concept is years-old and no one can destroy this. Hindustan is like a Guldasta (bouquet) which has space for all. We must love all, respect all. It is the people who develop the nation.
Striking an emotional chord with women in the state, Rahul Gandhi continued, “We talk about Super power. Without empowering our women India can never be a super power. It will remain as half super power until then. In the next 5 years we will strengthen our steps to empower more women. We want 50% of the members in Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha and Assemblies are women. We also want to empower the youth and want them at higher places”.
“We have nothing but you, the people, have everything – the strength, the knowledge and the power. Our duty is just give you opportunities, open up conditions and to empower you. ..We (Congress) believe in love, not in ager. That is what Assam teaches us”, concluded Rahul Gandhi.
Full text of the speech of Sh. Rahul Gandhi at a Congress rally in Guwahati, Assam

Rahul Gandhi interacts with Haryana farmers, says Congress wants to empower farmers

Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi held an an interactive session in Haryana with local framers. He spoke on the rights and the opportunities that farmers need to be provided with in the country. "What I have learnt here from you (farmers) is that I can never learn from bureaucrats.. We are trying to empower the common man, specially the farmers.. We will ensure that every citizen in this country has a right to health" said the Congress leader.

Rahul Gandhi interacts with Haryana farmers, says BJP thinks one man can run the country

Rahul Gandhi interacts with Haryana farmers, says BJP thinks one man can run the country
Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi held an an interactive session in Haryana with local framers. He spoke on the rights and the opportunities that farmers need to be provided with in the country.
“What I have learnt here from you (farmers) is that I can never learn from bureaucrats.. We are trying to empower the common man, specially the farmers.. We will ensure that every citizen in this country has a right to health” said the Congress leader.
“You will should have an option, your sons should have an option if they want to do farming or not. You should have the same option that others have through service and manufacturing” he added..
“We want to empower farmers so that they have an option of other occupations as well. Our politics is about giving you an option and not about giving you an order. That is BJP's work” said Rahul Gandhi in a direct attack at BJP. “ Look at any party, they all talk about corruption. They only give speeches about corruption” he added.
The Congress Vice President also said that the Congress would ensure dedicated freight corridor and manufacturing corridor for farmers. “India is run by Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. Everyone gets to vote once in five years. Those people who sit in the Vidhan sabha. Who elects them? Who selects them? You will think they are selected by you all. but that is not true. About 200-300 people select these representatives. Hooda ji, me: we do that. Why don't you people get to be a part of it?” continued the Congress leader.
“Congress doesn't play politics of caste and religion” asserted Rahul Gandhi. “There should be a day soon when we call for a meeting and I will be seeing fifty per cent women and fifty per cent men here” said the Congress Vice President striking a chord with the women.
Rahul Gandhi also took a dig at BJP’s prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi and said, “You know what is the difference between BJP and us. We approach everyone for an opinion. BJP thinks one man can run the country, they think power should be centralized, but we think power must be given to people”.

Rahul Gandhi interacts with ex-servicemen in Dehradun

Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi interacts with ex-servicemen in Dehradun (Uttarakhand). the ex servicemen thanked Rahul Gandhi for UPA govt's decision to approve one rank- one pension policy.

Rahul Gandhi at Dehradun in Uttarakhand attacks BJP, Part 02

Dehradun: Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi on Sunday kick-started his party's campaign for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls by addressing a mammoth party rally in Dehradun. While speaking on the occasion, he took on the BJP for its divisive politics and anti-people policies. "The opposition (BJP) is not serious about people's pain. They indulge in divisive tactics. While Congress wants to empower people, the opposition wants to grab people's rights. Their aim is just to grab power by any means", said Rahul Gandhi and also took a dig indirectly at BJP's prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi by commenting "They think that if they get PM post, all problems will be solved".

Rahul Gandhi at Dehradun in Uttarakhand attacks BJP, Part 01

Dehradun: Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi on Sunday kick-started his party's campaign for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls by addressing a mammoth party rally in Dehradun. While speaking on the occasion, he took on the BJP for its divisive politics and anti-people policies. "The opposition (BJP) is not serious about people's pain. They indulge in divisive tactics. While Congress wants to empower people, the opposition wants to grab people's rights. Their aim is just to grab power by any means", said Rahul Gandhi and also took a dig indirectly at BJP's prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi by commenting "They think that if they get PM post, all problems will be solved".

Rahul Gandhi at Dehradun: Congress will never deviate from its pro-poor ideology

Rahul Gandhi at Congress rally in Dehardun says BJP wants to grab rights of the people
Dehradun: Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi on Sunday kick-started his party’s campaign for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls by addressing a mammoth party rally in Dehradun. While speaking on the occasion, he took on the BJP for its divisive politics and anti-people policies.
“The opposition (BJP) is not serious about people’s pain. They indulge in divisive tactics. While Congress wants to empower people, the opposition wants to grab people’s rights. Their aim is just to grab power by any means”, said Rahul Gandhi and also took a dig indirectly at BJP’s prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi by commenting “They think that if they get PM post, all problems will be solved”.
He continued his attack on Modi and said, “I want to reiterate that we cannot move forward without empowering our women across the country. Wherever there is women empowerment we can see progress there. A BJP leader talks about development in Gujarat, but it developed because of the women there. I do not talk about myself. I do talk about women, youth and the poor. I stress for their empowerment. If we have developed that is because of the blood and sweat of the people and not due to any individual. He may be thinking that progress took place due to his efforts but he is wrong. It is the people who did it. Congress will use the power of the people to build the nation”.
Slamming BJP’s double-speak on corruption, the Congress leader said, “BJP talks loud on corruption. But it was the Congress which gave the nation the most powerful tool to fight corruption – the RTI. It was the Congress which brought Lokpal” and added “How is RTI functioning in Gujarat? They do not have proper RTI commissioners there. It took 9 years to have a Lokayukta in Gujarat. Even that Lokayukta is not powerful; it is highly under the control of a single person”.
Speaking on the flash floods that struck Uttarakhand last year causing major damage, Rahul Gandhi said, “When the state was under crisis, everyone in the country stood with it. Entire India was united to help Uttarakhand – Dalits, Adivasis, Sikhs, Hindus all were with you. I also saw the victims in Uttarakhand helping others. The people here have strength and potential. Though some handful of people indulged in divisive ideology, the people stood as one. I had just talked to your Chief Minister and he has assured that the reconstruction of the damaged infrastructure will be completed as early as possible and I am sure that the people will get its benefits soon. The Centre also had extended maximum help, sent Rs 7000 cr, to help flood-hit Uttarakhand”.
He also struck a chord with the Army. “Do you know who helped you the most? Not Rahul Gandhi, not the Central government but it was the Army. We can never forget it. I am grateful to them. We realise their strength and that is why their long pending demand for one-rank, one pension was approved by the Prime Minister and Sonia Ji” said the Congress Vice President amid cheers from the huge crowd.
“We must listen to the people, to realise their problems. That has been the policy of the Congress. There may be some setbacks but we will never go back from our ideology” asserted Rahul Gandhi.
Full text of the speech of Rahul Gandhi at Dehradun

Rahul Gandhi: I am saddened that Rajiv's killers are being set free

Rahul Gandhi asks if killers of an Ex-PM are being released, what justice common man can expect
Amethi/New Delhi: Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi, who was on a visit to his parliamentary constituency Amethi on Wednesday, said he was sad over the decision of the Tamil Nadu government to release seven people convicted of killing his father and former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi.
"Rajiv Gandhi's killers are being set free, I am saddened by this. I am personally against the death penalty but this is not about my father. If a Prime Minister's killers are being released, what kind of justice should the common man expect?" Rahul Gandhi asked, hours after the Jayalalithaa government announced that all the convicts would be freed, a politically significant decision ahead of the national election, due by May.
The convicts have been in jail for 23 years. One of them, Nalini Sriharan, was granted mercy in 2000 on the intervention of Rahul Gandhi's mother and Rajiv Gandhi's widow, Congress President Sonia Gandhi.
The Supreme Court on Tuesday spared three of the convicts, Nalini's husband Murugan, Santhan and Perarivalan, from execution, citing the 11-year delay in a decision on their mercy plea, and left it to the Tamil Nadu government to release them. Chief Minister Jayalalithaa acted fast, and gave the Centre three days to respond to her decision, after which, she said, she would invoke her own powers to free the convicts. Shortly after Rahul Gandhi's comments, the Congress party officially denounced the Jayalalithaa government's decision, calling it "irresponsible, perverse and populist."
Rajiv Gandhi was assassinated by a woman operative of the Lankan Tamil separatist outfit LTTE, who greeted the Congress leader with a sandalwood garland and a bomb strapped to her chest during a rally in 1991. "Our grief arises out of the fact that Rajiv Gandhi was killed brutally. It's the decision of the Supreme Court... I am neither happy nor unhappy," union minister P Chidambaram, who is from Tamil Nadu, told NDTV. "I do not see this as cynical politics."
All India Congress Committee on Wednesday issued a formal statement condemning the state's move. The statement read, "The Congress Party condemns the decision of the Tamil Nadu cabinet to release the seven convicts charged of the assassination of former Prime Minster Shri Rajiv Gandhi and 17 other individuals by executing a barbaric and gruesome terrorist bombing act." AICC General Secretary Ajay Maken rebuked the decision saying that it would set a precedent for other states to take decisions beyond the law. Indicating that the Tamil Nadu Assembly's decision to free the convicts was a politically motivated one, Maken said in the statement, "It would by all means only serve as a precedent for other Chief Ministers constitutional functionaries to take decisions beyond the law- decisions that are politically motivated and irresponsible."

Rahul Gandhi at the launch of Rajiv Gandhi Khel Abhiyan at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, New Delhi

Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi inaugurated the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Abhiyan at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi on Friday. Rajiv Gandhi Khel Abhiyan and National Youth Policy 2014. These are launched to empower youth to achieve their full potential, and through them enable India to find its rightful place in the community of nations. For achieving this vision, the Policy identifies five well-defined objectives and 11 priority areas and suggests policy interventions in each priority area. The priority areas are education, skill development and employment, entrepreneurship, health and healthy lifestyle, sports, promotion of social values, community engagement, participation in politics and governance, youth engagement, inclusion and social justice. The focused approach on youth development and empowerment involving all stakeholders, as envisaged in NYP-2014, would result in development of an educated and healthy young population, who are not only economically productive, but are also socially responsible citizens contributing to the task of nation-building.

Rahul Gandhi thanks Centre for approving one-rank-one-pension scheme for ex-servicemen

Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi lauded the Budget proposal to introduce the one-rank-one-pension move for the defence forces. "I want to thank the Government, PM and Sonia ji for this historic decision. Many Jawans approached me with this demand and I felt that their demands are genuine" said Rahul Gandhi during a brief chat with the media persons in New Delhi.

Rahul Gandhi addresses women rally in Karnataka, stresses for women empowerment

Congress Vice President Sh. Rahul Gandhi addressed a huge women rally at Tumkur, Karnataka. While speaking on the occasion he emphasized on the women empowerment. He said we need to bring women in parliament, and remove the fear from their hearts. "There should be a day when women get tickets in politics, their faces are visible in Lok Sabha and Vidhan Sabha and their true strength comes out." Rahul Gandhi said.

Rahul Gandhi addresses women rally in Karnataka

Rahul Gandhi addresses women rally in Karnataka, stresses for more women participation in politics

 Congress Vice President Sh. Rahul Gandhi, who is on a two-day visit to Karnataka, addressed an all women rally in Tumkur. While addressing the rally he stressed for increased women participation in politics. Rahul Gandhi also slammed the BJP and said there is no space for women in it.
Rahul Gandhi began his speech by remembering Balavani Velamma ji and Chittoor Rani Chinnamma ji. He also said that India can never become a super power if we do not empower the women in the country. "We can only be half-super power till we ensure women empowerment", said the Congress vice President.
“I go to every state in India and I realise that wherever women are empowered there is development. This is the major difference between those states and other states. Wherever women are uplifted, there is progress and wherever women are being suppressed development not talking place," Rahul Gandhi said.
He also highlighted various policies and schemes implemented by the Congress-led UPA government at the centre. “Central government has done a lot for women. We have introduced the women reservation bill in the parliament and we will try to pass it. We want to bring women in the parliament. We have implemented 50% reservation through Panchayati Raj and that will be beneficial for you", he added.
“Our schemes whether it’s MNREGA, Right to information and Food security bill, all are aimed to empower women. We have passed a strict law against rape. We want to give you security with respect. We want to build nation from your power.” Rahul Gandhi continued.
The Congress leader further said he wants more women contest elections and their faces must be seen in Lok Sabha, Vidhan Sabha and Panchayat and entire India must feel their strength.
He stressed for the need to bring more women into the Congress party. “We need to utilize your power and knowledge.” Rahul Gandhi concluded his speech.
Full text of Speech of Rahul Gandhi at Tumkur (Karnataka)

Rahul Gandhi visits Tumkur Karnataka to address a women rally

Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi visited Tumkur, Karnataka. While speaking on the occasion he stresses on women empowerment and said, "I want more women to join politics."

Rahul Gandhi launches Congress' LS poll campaign in Karnataka from Belgaum

Belgaum: Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi on Saturday addressed a massive party rally in Karnataka's Belgaum and slammed the BJP's double speak on corruption. "Now we see a BJP leader has been roaming around the country and talks about corruption but the large scale corruption, that took place in Karnataka when they were in power, is not visible for him. They forget that their BJP Chief Minister was sent to jail for corruption" said Rahul Gandhi.

Rahul Gandhi launches Congress campaign in Karnataka, attacks BJP

Rahul Gandhi at Belgaum, Karnataka: BJP just talks, only Congress brings in development

 Belgaum: Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi on Saturday addressed a massive party rally in Karnataka’s Belgaum and slammed the BJP’s double speak on corruption.
In an indirect dig at BJP’s prime ministerial; candidate Narendra Modi, the Congress leader said, “Now we see a BJP leader has been roaming around the country and talks about corruption but the large scale corruption, that took place in Karnataka when they were in power, is not visible for him. They forget that their BJP Chief Minister was sent to jail for corruption. They do not see that 16 ministers had to resign. They do not see corruption in Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh and Karnataka. The people of Karnataka threw the BJP govt out of power, mainly because of the massive corruption under its rule. And now the former Chief Minister, who was in jail on corruption charges, is back in BJP. The BJP leaders, but, do not realise it. They see corruption only in the Congress-ruled states and ignore it in the BJP states”.
Rahul Gandhi also took another jibe at Modi for his recent call for an IT revolution. “Now some BJP leaders deliver big speeches while roaming across the country. They say that India can become a great IT hub. But who initiated this? It was the Congress which started work in this direction. It was the people, the youth who had helped Karnataka to become a prominent place in the IT sector. It took a long time to achieve this, about 60 years. But the BJP leaders, who were against computers, now want Karnataka to become IT Centre. They do not think who had initiated this. They forget that it was the Congress which had the vision for it. Rajiv Gandhi’s efforts made it possible” said the Congress Vice President.
Continuing his attack on BJP, Rahul Gandhi said, “They (BJP) want to form a government of the selected people, of the corporate, the elite and want to ignore India. This is the difference between Congress and the opposition” and added “We do not need an India where a handful of people become rich and our farmers, Dalits and weaker sections live in distress. We need such a country where every citizen has respect, every religion has respect, every ideology has respect, every woman and youth have respect”.
“The opposition makes one person fight with other. They ignore your strength. They want to grab power while people are fighting each other” said Rahul Gandhi and assured “We will, together work, for the development here. We will not let anyone to slip back. We want to instil confidence among the people so that they feel their role in nation building and in development”.
“In 2014, Congress is going to form a government at the Centre and we will continue with our pro-poor policies. We will continue our efforts for the upliftment of the youth and the women. We will get the Women Reservation Bill, which ensures 33% reservation for women, passed in the Parliament. We will empower you more so that we can have more women MPs and MLAs,” concluded Rahul Gandhi amidst loud applauds from the huge gathering.
Rahul Gandhi at Belgaum, Karnataka – full speech

Sonia Gandhi kick-starts Congress campaign in Kerala, attacks BJP's divisive politics

Congress President and UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi on Saturday launched the Congress campaign in Kerala and said the Lok Sabha polls are vital to safeguard cherished national ideals like unity and secularism which were under threat. "The choice is between India of all or India of some serving the interest of few. We want unity, they want uniformity. Our idea joins India together, their's divides," she said. "Our principal opposition will argue that after ten years of the UPA rule, it is time to change. I want to ask a change to what? Do the people of India really want to give up the long-cherished values for lies and untested promises," she said.

Sonia Gandhi launches Nirbhaya project in Kerala, expresses concerns over crimes against women

Kochi: Congress President and UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi launched ‘Nirbhaya Keralam, Surakshitha Keralam’, a Kerala Police project to ensure women safety, in Kochi on Saturday. Chief Minister Oommen Chandy, Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala and several other senior party leaders were present at the function held at St Albert’s School ground.
While striking an emotional chord with the people of Kerala, Sonia Gandhi said, “Kerala has always been a leader in the empowerment and emancipation of women. The women in Kerala are the best educated in the country and have the best access to health facilities. They enjoy equal rights in inheritance”.
She also praised the Congress-led UDF govt in the state and continued, “Under the leadership of Chief Minister Sh. Oommen Chanddi, the UDF government has launched and implemented a number of programmes for the empowerment of women, like for instance, the Kutumbashree and Janashree. These are the programmes that have been replicated by other states after seeing the success of these programmes in Kerala” and also sent a warning signal, “And yet, crime statistics shows alarming and raising level of violence against women – rape, molestation, dowry harassment and domestic violence. Many young women complain not feeling safe at the public places in the dark, in the evening at night”.
“I also congratulate the Kerala govt for deciding to open six new all-women police stations in six districts of the state from 1st March, this year. This, I believe, is a commendable step, but I would stay, it is a first step. At present, I am told, women represent just 5 per cent of the total police force in Kerala. I take the liberty of asking the Chief Minister and our Home Minister to ensure that it is definitely doubled in two years and reaches 25 per cent in five-year time. This will add to the effectiveness to the Nirbhaya project initiative” said Sonia Gandhi.
“My great regret is that we are not yet able to pass the Women Reservation Bill in Parliament for lack of consensus even though it has been adopted in Rajya Sabha; however we shall continue our fight till we finally get that bill passed in the Rajya Sabha” said the Congress President.
“It remains a matter of deep anguish and pain that the atrocities against women still continue in our country. I need not to remind you the shameful happening in Delhi by which it agitated the entire nation, rightly so. Such atrocities are tragically repeated all over and all too often those go unreported and unpunished. It is a matter of grave and continuing concern that trafficking women and discrimination against the girl child still persists and that female foeticide still widely prevalent even in a number of economically prosperous states”, further said Sonia Gandhi.
The project includes forming women volunteer groups, strengthening existing mechanisms to counter human trafficking and abduction, awareness programmes against law violation, training for all on ensuring women safety, protection and rehabilitation of women and children, strengthening police intervention in crimes against women and implementing novel facilities for women in public places.
District women squads will be formed with 10 members in panchayats, 30 in municipalities and 100 in corporations. The squad members will be called Nirbhaya volunteers and will be provided uniform, badge and identity card. Around 12,000 volunteers will be selected state wide. The local-level Nirbhaya volunteer’s organisations will have members of self-help groups. The volunteers will be assigned with patrolling during day and night and helping police to prevent atrocities against women.
Full text of the speech of Smt. Sonia Gandhi at the launch of Nirbhaya Keralam, Surakshitha Keralam project

Sonia Gandhi in Kerala speaks at the launch of Nirbhaya Keralam, Surakshitha Keralam Project

Congress President and UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi launched the landmark project Nirbhaya Keralam, Surakshitha Keralam Project, a Programme to ensure Safety and Security of Women. She congratulated the Congress Government in Kerala for this Commendable initiative.

Rahul Gandhi interacts with railway porters in New Delhi Railway Station

Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday interacted with porters at New Delhi Railway Station, promising to solve their problems. "I can only promise one thing. I'll do whatever I can for you, with my heart," Rahul Gandhi said.

Sonia Gandhi addresses the function to commemorate polio-free India

Sonia Gandhi: We are polio-free now, let us work together to eradicate other diseases too

Congress President and UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi addressed a function to commemorate the landmark achievement of Polio Free India at a special function at New Delhi’s Talkatora Indoor Stadium on Tuesday. President Pranab Mukherjee, Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, Union Minister of Health & Family Welfare Ghulam Nabi Azad and World Health Organisation (WHO) Director General Margaret Chan were also among those present on the occasion. The celebration has been organized by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare to commemorate this accomplishment as well as to thank all those who contributed to it.
Expressing her happiness for achieving this mile stone, Sonia Gandhi said, “There is nothing that makes me more happy here today as we celebrate the three years of freedom from polio in our country. The India Polio Eradication Programme is something we can all be proud of. 20 years ago more than 50000 people, mostly from poor families, were affected by it. That means more than 50000 women and families face the financial and social burden of bringing up polio-stricken children. Today no woman, no families, has to bear this painful burden” and added, “The programme was an extra ordinary success. In scope and reach, it has been unmatched by any health based programme in the world. It has reached every child across the length and breadth of our land and finally rid our country of this ancient and creeping curse”.
“Today we acknowledge that this historic milestone has been achieved with single mindedness of purpose and extra ordinary team work and a strong political will. This massive immunization programme required a high degree of coordination. I congratulate Sh. Ghulam Nabi Azad and his team of officers from the ministry of health and family welfare, field officials, health workers, ASHAs and volunteers who made this achievement possible” further said the Congress President
“Let us go from here today, while we celebrate; let us go from here today committed to bring the same determination to bear in the eradication of other diseases which are still a burden on our people, especially on our children” said Sonia Gandhi. “I once again congratulate all those who have participated in this exemplary and successful programme; I salute them all; I salute you all”, said the Congress President while concluding her address.
India has completed three years without polio, a landmark achievement which would pave the way for a polio-free certification from the World Health Organisation (WHO). The Health ministry said 40,000 reporting units, including health facilities, annually report 60,000 cases of paralysis to the polio surveillance network - National Polio Surveillance Project.
India reported more than half of the global polio cases until 2009. The country introduced the oral polio vaccine in 1985 in the universal immunisation programme in the backdrop of over 200,000 cases of polio annually. India has not reported any new case of polio since a two-year-old girl got polio paralysis Jan 13, 2011 in Howrah district of West Bengal. India's victory over polio paves the way for a polio-free certification of the South East Asia region of WHO in March end.
See Full Speech

Sonia Gandhi at the function to celebrate India's victory over polio

Congress President and UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi addressed a function to commemorate the landmark achievement of Polio Free India at a special function at New Delhi's Talkatora Indoor Stadium on Tuesday. The celebration has been organized by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare to commemorate this accomplishment as well as to thank all those who contributed to it.

Rahul Gandhi in Bhubaneswar interacts with students

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Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi interacts with students at Bhubaneswar in Odisha. He also had visited the site of boat mishap in the state. Rahul Gandhi is on two day visit in Odisha.

Rahul Gandhi blames BJD Government for bad state of affairs in Odisha

Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi on Sunday took on the Odisha Government by saying it is not letting the benefits of central schemes trickle down to the people and siding with the mining mafia. Addressing a rally at Salepur in Odisha's Cuttack district, Rahul Gandhi said, “Odisha says Centre doesn't send money for the state. But no government has allotted as much money as we did to Odisha in five years. Odisha government hasn’t utilized 5 crore rupees that we have sent”.
At a time when the opposition parties in the state including the Congress are vocal against an alleged large-scale mining scam, Rahul Gandhi blamed Naveen Patnaik's government for not maintaining a clean sheet on the issue and said, “We fought for the tribals in Niyamgiri to get their lands back..We have given their rights in lands back which they deserved. We want to repeat the same in the Odisha. Odisha is a rich state, but people are poor here”. There were reports that out 94 of the 192 iron-ore mining leases in Odisha do not have environmental clearance and 75, which have a green nod, have mined far beyond the approved level.
Continuing the attack on the state government, the Congress leader continued, “Iron and manganese worth rupees 60 thousand crore are being looted. This money should belong to you. But selected people gained from it. Mining mafia gained from it and you keep watching. 20 lakh families have suffered from loss from Chit-fund. We have sent funds under MNREGA from Delhi for you and the money that has been stolen by the state govt. We also have sent the food for the mid-day meal for children that also vanished. Food meant for children was being stolen by BJD leaders. They didn’t stop there; even they galloped the food which was sent for BPL’s families”.
Highlighting the achievements of the Congress-led UPA Government at the Centre, the party vice President continued, “What Delhi government has done? We have initiated a right-based politics. We have provided food to every family in India through right to food, without any discrimination. It is the Congress which gave MNREGA, Land acquisition Act and RTI to the people. RTI is an effective tool to fight corruption”.
Rahul Gandhi further said that the Odisha government was not bringing about development in the state. "School and hospitals are closed there are no teachers and doctors. The state government takes the money from the people but does not utisilise them for their development".
“All of us, the Congress workers, must go to every single village in the state and fight for people’s rights; we must fight corruption” urged Rahul Gandhi. "Throw BJD out of the state and bring a Congress government that works for all sections, a government that fights for the poor", concluded Rahul Gandhi.

Full text of speech of Sh. Rahul Gandhi at Salepur in Cuttack, Odisha

ओडिशा के कटक में कांग्रेस उपाध्यhक्ष राहुल गांधी का संबोधन

मुझे ओडिशा आकर बहुत खुशी होती है, आप से मिलकर मुझे बहुत
खुशी होती है। मैं यहां आते वक्त हजारों लोगों से मिलकर मुझे एक बात समझ में आई कि
ओडिशा की जनता में शक्ति है, ज्ञान है, इनके अंदर कोई कमी नहीं है। शायद देश का सबसे अमीर प्रदेश ओडिशा है। यहां पर राष्ट्रीय संसाधन है। लोहा है, कोयला है, बॉक्‍साइट है,  मैगनीज है, सब कुछ यहां पर है। जंगल
है, समुंद्र है, आपके पास विकास के लिए
जो भी चीज की जरूरत होती है वह सब कुछ है। पैसे कि कोई कमी नहीं है। कमी यह है कि
जो आपका पैसा है, आपके कोयले का पैसा है, आपके मैगनीज का पैसा है वह आप तक नहीं पहुंचता और वह बीच में गायब हो
जाता है। रघुराम राजन पैनल ने कहा कि ओडिशा हिंदुस्तान के बाकी प्रदेशों में सबसे
पीछे नंबर पर आता है।

ओडिशा में 3,500 किसानों ने आत्महत्या की और 10 लाख युवा
इस प्रदेश में बेरोजगार है। युवा काम करना चाहते हैं, रोजगार
चाहते हैं, मगर सरकार उनको रोजगार नहीं देती। 30 में से 22
जिला नक्सल प्रभावित माने जाते है। अगर बीपीएल के आधार पर आप गरीबों को देखे तो
तकरीबन एक तिहाई जनसंख्या गरीबी रेखा से नीचे है। आदिवासी और दलितों पर जहां भी आप
देखे प्रदेश में अत्याचार है। स्कूल बंद पड़े है, स्कूल में
अध्यापक नहीं है, अस्पताल बंद पड़े हैं और अस्पताल में
डॉक्टर नहीं है। यह किसका काम है? ये ओडिशा की सरकार का काम है और ओडिशा
की सरकार स्कूल नहीं चलाती, अस्पताल नहीं चलाती है, आपका पैसा लेती है और जो खनन
माफिया है उनको आपका पैसा दिलवाती है।

ओडिशा में 60 हजार करोड़ रूपये का लोहा और मैगनीज लूट लिया
गया है। इस पैसे से आपको फायदा होना चाहिए। ओडिशा की जनता को फायदा होना चाहिए था।
मगर चुने हुए लोगों को फायदा हुआ। खनन माफियाओं को फायदा हुआ और आप देखते रह गए।
20 लाख परिवारों को चिट फंड से नुकसान हुआ। हमने दिल्ली से आपके लिए मनरेगा भेजा
और जो पैसा हम भेजते हैं वह चोरी हो जाता है। मिड-डे-मील के माध्यम से हमने बच्चों
के लिए जो भोजन का पैसा भेजा वह भी गायब हो गया। जो बच्चों के पेट में जाना चाहिए
था वह भी पैसा बीजेडी के लोग चोरी कर गए। और जो बीपीएल के परिवारों के लिए चावल था
उसको भी नहीं छोड़ा वह भी यह लोग खा गए। हमें कहते है कि भईया दिल्ली की सरकार
पैसा नहीं भेजती। जितना पैसा हमने (केंद्र सरकार) पिछले पांच सालों में भेजा
इतिहास में किसी और सरकार ने नहीं भेजा। जो हम पैसा भेजते हैं उसको ओडिशा सरकार
इस्तेमाल नहीं करती। ओडिशा सरकार ने 5 हजार करोड़ इस्तेमाल नहीं किया और फिर कहते
है भईया पैसा नहीं देते।

दिल्ली की सरकार ने क्या किया? हमने अधिकार की राजनीति की बात की। भोजन
का अधिकार के माध्यम से हिंदुस्तान में हर परिवार को हमने गारंटी करके भोजन
दिलवाया। यह नहीं पूछा कि भईया वह किस जात का है, हमने हर एक व्यक्ति को भोजन देने की बात
की। मनरेगा की बात की, हमने जमीन अधिग्रहण दिलवाया, आरटीआई दिलवाया। जो पहले भ्रष्टाचार छूपा रहता था, वह
आरटीआई से बाहर आया। नियामगिरि में सबसे बड़ी आदिवासियों की लड़ाई हमने ही लड़ी और
उन लोगों को उनकी जमीन वापस दिलाई। जो उनका हक था जो उनकी जमीन थी, उसको हमने वापस दिलवाया। और अब यही लड़ाई अब हमे ओडिशा में लड़नी है। मैं
कांग्रेस पार्टी के लोगों से कहना चाहता हूं कि यह एक अमीर प्रदेश है, लेकिन यहां की जनता गरीब है।

जो आपका पैसा है, जो जनता का पैसा है कांग्रेस पार्टी को वो
लड़ाई लड़नी है। आदिवासियों की लड़ाई, दलितों की लड़ाई,
पिछड़े लोगों की लड़ाई, आम आदमी की लड़ाई,
गरीबों की लड़ाई, कांग्रेस के सभी कार्यकर्ता
गांव-गांव में जाइए और भ्रष्ट सरकार से लड़िए, जनता के लिए
लड़िए, गरीबों के लिए लड़िए, कमजोर
लोगों के लिए लड़िए और हिंदुस्तान में जो 70 करोड़ लोग है, जो
गरीबी रेखा से ऊपर हैं और मध्यम वर्ग के नीचे हैं उनकी लड़ाई लड़िए। दलितों की
लड़ाई लड़िए, आदिवासियों की लड़ाई लड़िए, महिलाओं की लड़ाई लड़िए और यहां जो भ्रष्ट सरकार है वह आपका पैसा लेती है, लूटती है, उससे लड़ाई लड़िए और जीतिए। यहां पर एक
बार फिर दलितों की, आदिवासियों की, गरीबों
की सरकार लाइए। जो आपका पैसा है जो आज आपसे लूटा जा रहा है, जो
महिलाओं का पैसा लूटा जा रहा है, वह पैसा जनता को दीजिए,
जनता के विकास में डालिए। स्कूल चलाने के लिए, अस्पताल चलाने के लिए दीजिए। कांग्रेस पार्टी के जो भी यहां पर कार्यकर्ता
हैं मैं आपसे कहना चाहता हूं कि आप यह चुनाव लड़िए। बीजेडी को यहां से निकालिये।
एक ऐसी सरकार लाइए जो कांग्रेस पार्टी की सरकार हो, जो जनता
के लिए लड़े, आम आदमी के लिए लड़ें, गरीबों
के लिए लड़े। आप सब दूर-दूर से आए इसके लिए आपका धन्यवाद, जय
हिंद। 

Rahul Gandhi speaks at Cuttack rally, slams Odisha Government

Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi addresses a public rally at Cuttack, Odisha. He has embarked on a 50-km road show from Bhubaneswar to Cuttack on the first day of his visit to Odisha as part of elections campaign leading up to the 2014 Lok Sabha polls.

Rahul Gandhi in Gujarat: Respect chai wallahs, but not the one who makes fool of others

Bardoli: Rahul Gandhi today addressed a huge rally at Gujarat's Bardoli and took on the BJP saying it represents RSS ideology which has killed Mahatma Gandhi. He also took an indirect dig at Gujarat Chief Minister and BJP's prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi and said that while the people work hard for development in the state, just one person takes the entire credit.

Rahul Gandhi in Gujarat says People work hard for development but one man takes entire credit

Rahul Gandhi addresses Gujarat rally: BJP follows RSS ideology that killed Mahatma Gandhi
Bardoli: Rahul Gandhi today addressed a huge rally at Gujarat’s Bardoli and took on the BJP saying it represents RSS ideology which has killed Mahatma Gandhi. He also took an indirect dig at Gujarat Chief Minister and BJP’s prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi and said that while the people work hard for development in the state, just one person takes the entire credit.
“The BJP leaders here talk about Sardar Patel and say they will l make his statue. But these people don't know history. They haven’t read any books on the ideologies of Gandhi ji and Sardar Patel ji. They know nothing. .. Sardar Patel said that RSS is a poisonous ideology which will destroy the soul of India. The BJP leaders spend their entire life with RSS. They neither know about Patel nor they read about him, but want to build his statue” said Rahul Gandhi.
“It was the RSS ideology that killed Mahatma Gandhi. After the assassination of Gandhi ji, Sardar Patel had moved a resolution to ban the RSS. Sardar Patel gave his entire life for the Congress party and fought for the rights of the poor. But these leaders in BJP never read about it, never thought about it but want to build his statue!” he added.
Slamming Modi’s claims on Gujarat development, the Congress Vice President said, “BJP makes big gains in education sector. 13000 govt schools were shut down in Gujarat, but this is never mentioned by its leaders anywhere” and continued, “..In Gujarat, just one person has the entire power. No one else has any power or rights... We want to give people their rights. But here the government runs for selected people. We fight for the people, the farmers, Adivasis and the poor. This is the difference between us and BJP”. “Gujarat progressed due to the sweat of its people, not because of one man's efforts. People of Gujarat worked hard and he takes the credit for it” he commented.
Launching a sccathing attack on BJP’s stance on corruption, Rahul Gandhi said, “Who stopped appoint of Lokayukta in Gujarat? The BJP govt spent Rs 40 crores to block Lokayukta appointment. Modi govt did not let lokyukta pass in Gujarat for nine years. Entire world knows it; entire women know it. Gujarat cabinet has three convicted persons as ministers. Still they talk too much on corruption”.
“I want to make it clear that Gujarat does not have the government of poor people. It does not work for the upliftment of the poor and Adivasis and their voices are not heard. Only handful of people runs the government and works for the elite” asserted Rahul Gandhi.
“While we talk about eradicating poverty, BJP talks about eradicating the poor people. We talk about providing the poor with jobs, food, health and education. Indira Gandhi said ‘gareebi hataao’ but BJP wants ‘gareeb hataao”. This is the difference” further said the Congress leader.
When someone from the crowd made the ‘chaai waala’ comment, Rahul Gandhi immediately shot back, “The entire India does some work. Some make tea, some drive taxi's, some are farmers. We need to respect everyone. We have to respect chai wala, labourer or farmer. Respect everyone.. But not the one who makes fool of us” and the huge crowd greeted it with loud applauds.

Rahul Gandhi in Ranchi interacts with tribal women from Jharkhand

Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi, who is on a one-day visit to Jharkhand, interacted with tribal women at Ranchi. He also had held similar discussions with other sections of the society across the country. Rahul Gandhi patiently heard the complaints, suggestions and remarks from tribal women and also shared some of his thoughts with them. "I have a long relationship with you. I am here to fight for your rights. I will take your battle ahead with your support", assured the Congress Vice President.

Rahul Gandhi visits Ranchi in Jharkhand

Rahul Gandhi to Tribal women at Ranchi: I will fight your struggle, with you and for you
Ranchi: Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi, who is on a one-day visit to Jharkhand, interacted with tribal women at Ranchi. He also had held similar discussions with other sections of the society across the country.
Rahul Gandhi patiently heard the complaints, suggestions and remarks from tribal women and also shared some of his thoughts with them. "I have a long relationship with you. I am here to fight for your rights. I will take your battle ahead with your support”, assured the Congress Vice President.
“I had already told several times that we cannot develop if we do not empower the women in our country properly. Panchayati Raj system ensures reservation for women, but still, the women empowerment is not taking place in the required manner. Tribal women are also not empowered properly. They need education, health & political participation” said Rahul Gandhi.
“I want to fight for the rights of Adivasi women; I want more and more from you to join politics.. We need to empower tribal women, give them equal opportunities” added Rahul Gandhi.
Striking a chord with the gathering the Congress leader said, “Adivasi community has the better ideas than anyone else in our country”. He also asserted that the Congress-led UPA Government at the Centre implemented several policies for the welfare of the people and the Tribals. “Our govt gave you MNREGA, Food Security and Tribal bills... The Food Security bill gives the people rights to food; this will benefit tribals the most” informed Rahul Gandhi.
Most of the workers raised issues relating to local governance, opening of closed factories in Maoist-prone areas, employment opportunities for tribal women, and providing education to tribal children. Rahul Gandhi also told the gathering that he wanted tribal women to come forward to fight elections and become MLAs and MPs.

Sonia Gandhi supports reservation system, says Congress committed to empower SC, ST, OBC

Sonia Gandhi makes it clear: System of reservation for SCs, STs and OBCs must continue

New Delhi: Congress President and UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi made it very clear that the empowerment of Scheduled Castes and Tribes and Backward Classes has been “an article of faith with the Congress”. She added that she was of the "firm opinion" that the system of reservation for SCs, STs and OBCs must continue.
“There should be no doubt or ambiguity on the stand of the Congress on the system of reservation for SC/ST and OBCs. They were introduced by the Congress, they have been strengthened by the Congress and will continue to be championed by the Congress,” Sonia Gandhi said in a two-page statement issued. “This is essential to deal with the discrimination imposed by centuries of subjugation and oppression,” said the Congress president.
“The empowerment of Scheduled castes, scheduled tribes and OBCS has been an article of faith with the Indian National Congress. It is the Indian National Congress that introduced the system of reservation scheduled castes and scheduled tribes in government employment and educational institutions as well as in elected bodies way back in the early 1950s” said the Congress leader.
“It is the Congress, which introduced reservation for OBCs in government employment and educational institutions in the mid 1990s and later,” further said Sonia Gandhi in the statement. The Congress President stated that her party believes in true equality of opportunity for everyone, Gandhi said the party has introduced two bills to strengthen the framework of reservations – the SC/ST (Reservation in post and services) bill, 2008 as also a Constitution (117th) Amendment bill aimed at providing reservation in promotions.
“The Indian National Congress has put in place policies that will encourage procurement of goods and services by government agencies from enterprises promoted by scheduled castes and scheduled tribes. The Indian National Congress is committed to bringing in a Central legislation on Scheduled Castes Sub-Plan (SCSP) and Tribal Sub-Plan (TSP) which will ensure that budgetary allocations are made in accordance with the population of scheduled castes and scheduled tribes” the statement added.
Sonia Gandhi recalled that Congress had also launched massive scholarship schemes and today over one crore youths belonging to SCs/STs and OBCs are beneficiaries of these schemes every month. The Congress president also said the party was committed to bringing in a central legislation on SC Sub Plan and Tribal Sub Plan and it has also initiated a national dialogue for ensuring affirmative action for SC and ST in the private sector.

Following is the full text of statement of Congress President Sonia Gandhi on caste-based reservations. 

The empowerment of Scheduled castes, scheduled tribes and OBCS has been an article of faith with the Indian National Congress. It is the Indian National Congress that introduced the system of reservation scheduled castes and scheduled tribes in government employment and educational institutions as well as in elected bodies’ way back in the early 1950s.
It is the Indian National Congress that introduced reservations for OBCS in government employment and educational institutions in the mid-1990s and later. The Indian National Congress is of the firm opinion that the system of reservations for scheduled castes, scheduled tribes and OBCs must continue. This is essential to deal with the discrimination imposed by centuries of subjugation and oppression. The Indian National Congress believes in true equality of opportunity for everyone.
In its 2009 Lok Sabha election manifesto, the Indian National Congress had pledged to carve out a reservation for the economically weaker sections of all communities without prejudice to existing reservations for scheduled castes, scheduled tribes and OBCs. A dialogue on this has already been initiated.
The Indian National Congress has introduced the following two bills in Parliament in order to strengthen the framework of reservations:
1. The Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes (Reservation in Posts and Services) Bill, 2008 to provide a legal framework 'for ensuring effective implementation 0f existing reservations.
2. The Constitution (117th Amendment) Bill 2012 to provide for reservation in promotions for scheduled castes and scheduled tribes.
The Indian National Congress has also launched massive scholarship schemes and today over one crore youth belonging to scheduled castes, scheduled tribes and OBCS are beneficiaries of these scholarship schemes every mouth.
The Indian National Congress has put in place policies that will encourage procurement of goods and services by government agencies from enterprises promoted by scheduled castes and scheduled tribes. The Indian National Congress is committed to bringing in a Central legislation on Scheduled Castes Sub-Plan (SCSP) and Tribal Sub-Plan (TSP) which will ensure that budgetary allocations are made in accordance with the population of scheduled castes and scheduled tribes
The Indian National Congress has also initiated a national dialogue for ensuring affirmative action for scheduled castes and scheduled tribes in the private sector. There should be no doubt or ambiguity on the stand of the Indian National Congress on the system of reservation for scheduled castes, scheduled tribes and OBCS. They were introduced by the Congress party, they have been strengthened by the Congress party and they will continue to be championed by the Congress party.

Rahul Gandhi seeks support of Opposition to pass pending anti-corruption bills

Rahul Gandhi appeals to Opposition to pass pending anti-corruption bills, Street Vendors Bill

NEW DELHI: Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi appealed to the parties in Opposition to support the passage of six pending anti-corruption bills and the Street Vendors Bill in the Parliament session which will start on Wednesday. On several earlier occasions also Rahul Gandhi has been making a strong pitch for creating a framework to fight corruption.
In a brief interaction with the media after meeting hundreds of street vendors at his residence, the Congress Vice President said the Street Vendors Bill is about their rights and he supports it. "My request is also to the Opposition parties that they should not stop such bills -- the bills related to (fighting) corruption and the bill related to the rights of the street vendors. Everybody should join hands to pass these bills," said Rahul Gandhi.
The anti-graft bills on which Rahul Gandhi has been laying emphasis on are The Whistleblower Bill, Amendment to Prevention of Corruption Act, Grievance Redressal Bill, Public Procurement Bill, the Prevention of Bribery of Foreign Public Officials and Officials of Public International Organisations Bill, Electronic Delivery of Services Bill, The Right of Citizens for Time-bound Delivery of Goods and Services and Redressal of their Grievances Bill. The Congress leader believes that the passage of the Lokpal bill alone won't suffice and a whole framework to fight corruption is required.
Apart from vote on account, the passage of anti-graft bills is the main legislative agenda of the government in this extended winter session. Rahul Gandhi has been supporting the Street Vendors Bill. During an interaction with the street vendors on January 30, he had promised that he will push for the clearance of the bill in the upcoming session.
The street vendors, who met Rahul Gandhi under the banner of National Association of Street Vendors of India, requested him to ensure that the Street Vendors (Protection of Livelihood and Regulation of Street Vending) Bill is passed by Rajya Sabha so that they can get freedom from "rampant extortion and terror of police and municipal agencies".

Rahul Gandhi meets North-East students at Jantar Mantar, assures swift action

Rahul Gandhi: There is only one India, where every single person is treated with respect and justice
Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi on Monday joined the students from the north-east protesting at New Delhi’s Jantar Mantar, demanding strict action against those involved in the killing of Nido Tania, a student from Arunachal Pradesh, who was beaten to death in Lajpath Nagar. He promised very strict action apart from setting up of a committee to look into the treatment meted out to people from the region.
“There is only one India which is matter to me and that India is an India where every single person has respect and justice and treated fairly. There is no other India that I am interested in as far as I am concerned whether you are from north earth east or south India or you belong from any other religion” said Rahul Gandhi.

 Here is the full text of his brief address to the students:

 What happened here is completely unacceptable. I understand your sentiment 100%. You have mentioned to me what you are looking for. You are looking for a committee and you are looking for strict action. We have already started to work on these two things so you can expect very strict action against the people who did this. You can expect a detail study will be done by a committee on the issues on north easterners in this country. We are trying to move forward on that. There is one question arises; which India matters to you?
There is only one India which is matter to me and that India is an India where every single person has respect and justice and treated fairly. There is no other India that I am interested in as far as I am concerned whether you are from north earth east or south India or you belong from any other religion. There is only one India and that Indian is for all of us and I want you to understand this very-very clearly. We are going to fight for that and we are going to ensure that you will get respect in this country full-stop. I was looking at the picture of Nido and to me he represents this country. Like all of you he represents this country.”
It doesn’t matter where he comes from. Who he is? What he is look like? These things do not matter, for me only one thing matters that he is Indian. Because he is Indian and because he is Indian he deserves respect, he deserves justice, he will get it. I am here with you and I shouldn’t be on stage I should there with you because my spirit and my heart is 100% with you. Many- many people in this country, majority of this country, actually believe that everyone deserves respect. There are few people who do not believe this but majority of the people believe, the majority of the people think every India deserves respect, deserves love, deserves justice.