Nation remembers Rajiv Gandhi on his 71st birth anniversary

President Pranab Mukherjee led the nation in paying homage to former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi on his 71st birth anniversary on Thursday. Congress President and Rajiv Gandhi's wife Sonia Gandhi, son Rahul Gandhi, daughter Priyanka Gandhi, son-in-law Robert Vadra and granddaughter Miraya Vadra paid tribute at his memorial, Vir Bhumi, in New Delhi. Vice-President Hamid Ansari and former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh also paid homage to Rajiv Gandhi. Birth anniversary of Rajiv Gandhi is observed as Sadbhavna Diwas (harmony day) in the country. Rajiv Gandhi became the youngest PM of the country when he took office after his mother Indira Gandhi's assassination on October 31, 1984. Rajiv was killed by an ethnic Tamil suicide bomber while campaigning in an election in the south Indian town of Sriperumbudur in May 1991.

Rajiv Gandhi’s birth anniversary: Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi distribute motor-vehicles to disabled

New Delhi: Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi and his sister Priyanka Gandhi Vadra handed over the keys of especially designed motorised vehicles to 52 physically challenged people on Saturday under the 'Access to Opportunities' programme of Rajiv Gandhi Foundation.

This programme is conducted every year to commemorate the birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi. Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka, who are the Trustee and Executive Trustee of the foundation interacted with the awardees while handing over the vehicle keys. The participants clicked pictures with Rahul and Priyanka Gandhi. The Congress vice president also advised the awardees to "drive slow".

Some awardees also brought souvenirs from their native places which was warmly received by the trustees. This year the Foundation will be distributing 150 vehicles across different parts of the country. For the Delhi distribution ceremony, 52 selected recipients from Haryana, Chandigarh, Punjab, Delhi NCR, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, West Bengal were given the vehicles at Jawahar Bhawan here.

"Through a rigorous selection process, the focus was to identify those individuals whose physical disability was limiting their access to opportunities and hampering the realisation of their potential. "Education being the main focus of the Foundation, preferences were given to student applicants to help them access more opportunities in education and livelihood," said a release issued by the Foundation. The program began with an inspirational song sung by children from 'Wonderoom', one of the initiatives of the Foundation.

Later, two of the youth awardees from the previous year, shared their experiences of how they benefited by the vehicle specially designed for them. They also highlighted the idea of self dependence and freedom in mobility. After the award ceremony, the awardees were provided training by professionals on the usage of the vehicle, safety rules and regulations.

Priyanka Gandhi writes to SPG urges to withdraw airport privileges

NEW DELHI: Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, daughter of congress President Sonia Gandhi and sister of party vice-president Rahul Gandhi, has urged the central government to withdraw her family's security exemptions at airports, a day after reports that the government may take her husband Robert Vadra off the no-frisk protocol that he enjoys as part of the Gandhi family.

In a letter to the chief of Special Protection Group, Priyanka Gandhi said, "Since the government is now reportedly considering the removal of his (Vadra) name, I would like to inform you that I do not feel it will be correct for my children and me to avail of the facility of exemption of these checks while entering or exiting the airport when we are all travelling together."

The issue pertains to Vadra being exempt from frisking because of his association with the Gandhi family which is a SPG protectee. However, the privilege is only when he is travelling with the family and has to undergo normal checks when he travels alone. PriyankaGandhi's letter suggests that she has sought withdrawal of exemption when the family is travelling together. "It is only right for us to go through the normal channel at the airport and be frisked etc... as you will appreciate that it makes no sense for a family travelling together to fall under different categories of exemption," she said. In a bid to underline that the exemption to her husband was not part of any privilege the family had sought but imposed on them on security grounds, Priyanka Gandhi said, "His inclusion on that list came about at the instance of your predecessors in the SPG/Delhi Police and not upon any request by either of us who were informed after the fact. It was done ostensibly to facilitate the coordination of the two separate agencies at the airport when we travelled together."

The stress appears designed to quell the BJP's campaign to make an example of the Gandhi family's son-in-law as a privileged individual under the Congress government. Vadra has been a key part of BJP's attack on Congress, with Narendra Modi raking up the alleged irregular land allotments by Congress-ruled states to him as a sign of corruption in the first family. While stressing that the privilege to Vadra was imposed by police, Priyanka said it had become a source of constant embarrassment for her husband who had repeatedly asked her to get it withdrawn. "I had verbally conveyed this to the previous director and the AIG, SPG in charge of my security detail on a number of occasions but no action was ever taken on it," she said.

She also requested the SPG chief that her security detail at airports be discreet and unobtrusive. "Request you to ensure that when we are entering or exiting boarding gates, there is no disturbance to passengers... Request security detail to behave in a manner that is discreet and strictly unobtrusive," the letter said.

Remembering Rajiv Gandhi on his 23rd death anniversary

“Where do we go from here? We are imprisoned by the narrow domestic walls of religion, language , caste and region blocking out the clear view of a resurgent nation. Is this the nation Mahatma Gandhi and Indira Gandhi sacrificed their lives for?”              Rajiv Gandhi

Rajiv Gandhi, the legendary leader of the Congress party, the creator of modern India and the former Prime Minister, was one of the most visionary leaders India has ever witnessed. His insights and initiatives into liberalization of Indian economy, technological advancement and most importantly bringing the computer revolution in India, made him a futuristic leader of his times. India went through a lot of changes under Rajiv Gandhi’s leadership. He was posthumously awarded the Highest National Award of India, Bharat Ratna 1991. Rajiv Gandhi’s personality and leadership brought in a high level of dynamism in India’s foreign relations. He also left his own personal mark on India’s foreign policy. Rajiv Gandhi was a humble and polite leader as well as an extremely ambitious and dynamic Prime Minister. His mature and effective leadership and initiative led India to become one of the leading markets in telecommunication and Information technology. Rajiv Gandhi created a separate identity for himself and he also was successful in taking forward Indira Gandhi and Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru’s initiatives as well. He scripted a new vision for the Non-Alignment Movement (NAM) - Nuclear disarmament. He was a great believer of peace and this belief propelled him to propose the idea of disarmament. He championed the cause of NAM, which he saw as a very important pedestal to facilitating peaceful relations between nations. He realized the futility of spending millions on arms and ammunition, and the wild pursuit of arms race, when a huge section of the population was starving. Rajiv Gandhi played a vital role to improve the bilateral relationships with the United States of America and subsequently expanded the economic and scientific cooperation with it. A revived foreign policy, emphasizing on the economic liberalization and information and technology helped India to find a mark in the global map. Under his tenure as the Prime Minister, India also took up the cause of fighting against apartheid in South Africa. India’s role is considered instrumental in establishing the South Africa Fund under the cause of Non-Alignment Movement and thus provided support for many South African countries in their struggle for independence through this fund. Rajiv Gandhi’s farsighted initiative also resulted into formation of G15 countries for promotion of the non-alignment movement further enhancing and encouraging South-South cooperation and facilitating a collective dialogue of the South countries with the industrialized nation-states. Rajiv Gandhi was instrumental in modernizing the Indian armed forces. India developed missiles like Prithvi, Trishul, Agni, etc. during his leadership. The defense spending was one fifth of the total government expenditure. He helped India enhance her image and stature in world politics. India’s standing in the world had improved a great deal the only unresolved issue was that of SriLanka for which he lost his life. Rajiv Gandhi government took vigorous measures to reform the government bureaucracy and liberalize the country's economy. He is credited with promoting the introduction of computers in India. The economic policies adopted by Rajiv Gandhi were different from his precursors. His government’s measures to reduce the "Red Tapism" were remarkable. In 1986, Rajiv Gandhi announced a "national education policy" to modernize and expand higher education programs across India. Rajiv Gandhi brought a revolution in the field of information technology and telecom. The idea helped in originating the Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Limited, popularly known as MTNL. He was the man to transcend telecom services to the rural India or "India in true sense". Rajiv Gandhi introduced India to modern science and technology, which he considered as the very essence of development. He said, 'Freedom and racism cannot co-exist. Science and poverty cannot co-exist.' Rajiv Gandhi laid great emphasis on the green revolution which he looked upon as being extremely important for agricultural development. He spoke ardently about social justice. For him, equality among people was extremely important, because a society ridden with class and caste distinction was a hindrance to development.

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra: Rahul Gandhi never talks for himself but for all

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra: Rahul Gandhi never talks for himself but for all
Gauriganj (Amethi): Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, daughter of Congress President and UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi, who has been campaigning in Amethi, the Lok Sabha constituency of his brother and party vice-president Rahul Gandhi, urged the people to use the power to vote effectively and wisely.
“Voting right is your biggest strength and you must use it effectively, not just for Amethi but to maintain the integrity of our nation, to strengthen our country and to protect our culture” she urged.
“Rahul Gandhi also has the same long term vision in his approaches. He follows his father’s footsteps. All his plans, programmes and policies for Amethi have been to empower people and to ensure welfare. He never talks for himself but for all. Amethi has witnessed tremendous development under Rahul Gandhi as its MP” asserted Priyanka.
“This is election time and several candidates and leaders from other parties are coming to you. They come here, give false promises, level baseless allegations and spread rumours. Someone told me that some of our rivals come in the dark, secretly distributes booklets containing malicious facts against us, and disappear. They are so cowards, that they are afraid of distributing such dirty pamphlets, in open” she said and added “If they want to tell anything to the people, come out open and do it. Why they are scared? This is election time and it is a battle of ideologies. No one prevents anyone from conveying their ideas. Why such secrecy? Directly come to the people and tell what they want to say? Why do they come during night and distributing leaflets containing false facts secretly and vanish suddenly like cowards?”
“The people are wise enough to judge who is sincere and who are not. They can easily distinguish between those are enacting drama and those really work for them. They are knowledgeable to identify who tell lies and who are honest” said Priyanka Gandhi.
“Politics means service. Every leader must realise that their ultimate responsibility is to serve people. They must talk about welfare of people and must tell what their plans for development are. The women here know what empowerment does mean. So you can directly ask your leaders about their plans for women empowerment” underlined the Congress star campaigner.
“Rahul Ji knows very well that it is his responsibility to fulfil the dreams of his father, who laid his life for the nation and for the people of Amethi. Rahul Gandhi also realise the amount of love you had extended to Rajiv Gandhi and so he is well aware that it is his duty to serve you better. Rahul ji always maintains the same love and affection with Amethi people, like his father” she said further.
“So, I will not seek your votes. Just continue to love us. We want nothing else. We are with you in your happy and sorrow, and will remain committed to serve you ever” said Priyanka Gandhi striking a chord with the gathering.
Text of speech by Priyanka Gandhi Vadra in Amethi

Priyanka Gandhi in Amethi: Nobody is bigger than the people in democracy

Priyanka Gandhi in Amethi: Nobody is bigger than the people in democracy
Amethi: Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, daughter of Congress President Sonia Gandhi campaigned for her brother and party Vice President Rahul Gandhi in his Lok Sabha constituency Amethi. In an indirect dig at BJP and its prime ministerial Narendra Modi, the Congress’ star campaigner said, “There are some people who urge you to give your power to them and say only they posses entire knowledge and solution for all issues; they also claim only they can develop the country, it doesn’t happen in democracy. It’s the people to decide, as they have the power and authority and that is called democracy”.
“Now it’s up to you to think and decide for whom Rahul Ji has done such works. Many political leaders come to you and criticize him. You have to understand their motive. I know you are smart enough to understand who works for you with loyalty, honesty and who makes false promises” said Priyanka striking an emotional chord.
“Rajiv ji shared a family relation with you. Rahul Gandhi at the age of 21 saw his father died. Rajiv Ji gave his life not only for the country but also for you. He used to work immensely for you. When Rahul ji saw that his father was working sincerely for you with honesty, believing in an ideology and eventually sacrificed his life for the country” she added.
“Many people fail to understand the love we share with the people of Amethi. When someone from your family comes and work for your welfare and development, he can’t have any political interest. He thinks that it’s a workplace of Rajiv ji. It’s our religion to work for you. Nobody is bigger than the people, this is what we had learnt from Rajiv ji” continued Priyanka Gandhi.
“Everyone in my family recognized the power of the masses. We never ask from you to give your power to us. All we say that you should get you power and rights back. Only you can transform this country. You have the right to vote and this is your biggest responsibility” she told the gathering.
“There are some ideologies which are disastrous for the country. They spread rage, hatred and anger. Ours is a unique country in the world. There are people from different religion and community who live in peace and harmony. This is our culture practiced by all – the Hindus, Muslims, Buddhists, Sikhs, Jain and Christians. And if our culture is in danger then you must fight to protect it. It’s your responsibility” commented the Congress’ star campaigner in a clear dig at Modi.
“This election is not only about you but it will decide the future of our country. You must decide what kind of ideology you want. Nobody has the courage to come here and cheat people. You have the wisdom and knowledge. You always showed your support only to those persons who worked for you” said Priyanka Gandhi and added, “If you had supported Rajiv ji it was because he transformed this region; you supported Sonia ji because she worked for you day and night. You also support Rahul Gandhi ji because you know that he also works for you with commitment and determination”.
Text of the speech by Priyanka Gandhi Vadra in Amethi

Priyanka Gandhi: Rahul Gandhi works for Amethi with a long term vision

Priyanka Gandhi in Amethi: Rahul Gandhi has the same foresight like Rajiv Gandhi
Amethi: Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, daughter of Congress President and UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi, said that Rahul Gandhi also has the same far sighted vision like his father Rajiv Gandhi.
“Rajiv Gandhi was a visionary. He had a great love for the people of Amethi and you also had loved him. If he (Rajiv Gandhi) has done any development work like BHEL, Fursatganj airport, then that was not limited to one particular area, in fact, the spill over effect of development could be seen in near-by areas” and added, “Rahul Gandhi also has the same far sighted vision in his approaches. He follows his father’s footsteps. All his plans, programmes and policies for Amethi have been to empower people and to ensure welfare”.
“Rahul Gandhi also brought milk revolution here. Earlier, milk used to come from outside the area. Rahul Gandhi established 3 chilling plants here which eventually helped for this revolutionary progress in milk supply. Today truck- loads of milk go to across India, and for it the actual credit goes to Rahul Gandhi” said Priyanka Gandhi.
“Today there are seven National Highways passing through Amethi. He also made roads built through PMGSY in all villages with the population of more than 1000. Several electric polls were erected in the villages but providing electricity is state government’s duty. Sonia (Gandhi) ji had requested Mulayam Singh (Yadav) ji regarding this and the state government did some positive moves on this. But some other opposition parties have approached Court asking what is special with Amethi and Raebareli. Because of their objection, there is scarcity for electricity here. Rahul Ji also got several roads built using central schemes but the maintenance of the same is the responsibility of the state govt. We have been pressurizing the state govt on this. We are hopeful that we will be able to find a solution to these issues”, explained the Congress star campaigner.
“Due to his initiatives Amethi has several educational and technical institutes in the area between Jayes and Fursatganj. It will not only help youth get proper education but will also bring in tremendous economical growth in the whole region. We have FDDI, Petroleum institute, IIIT, Kendreeya Vidyalaya, 3 model schools and Navodaya Vidyalaya as well as we have Kasturba Gandhi BalikaVidyalay in every block, in the area between Fursatganj and Jayes. We have now several trains passing through Amethi and also introduced about 20 new trains from here” informed Priyanka Gandhi Vadra.

Priyanka Gandhi slams Modi again, this time for his Shehzada jibe

Priyanka Gandhi in Amethi hits back at Modi for his Shehzada jibe on Rahul Gandhi
Amethi: Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, daughter of Congress President and UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi, took yet another dig at BJP’s prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi over his ‘shehzada’ remark about Rahul Gandhi. Priyanka is campaigning in Amethi, the Lok Sabha constituency of her brother and Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi.
“When Rajiv Gandhi had initiated landmark programmes like computer revolution, he had to face a lot of criticism from the very same people who are now lampooning Rahul Gandhi. Top leaders of a party (BJP) make fun of Rahul (Gandhi). At times they call him specimen, at times they compare him to a comedian, at times they call him shehzada...you dream of becoming the PM, then why behave childishly” said the Congress campaigner.
“They must tell people what are their specific plans for employment generation, development and women empowerment. Half of BJP’s manifesto is just a copy of Congress’. There are no specific programmes or schemes in it” asserted Priyanka Gandhi.
“The people, must therefore, decide what type of government they need and what sort of politics they are looking for. India has a rich tradition and culture and several Congress leaders sacrificed their lives to protect those values. All people – Hindu, Muslim, Sikh, Christians – all live in harmony here. Be vigilant enough against those divisive, destructive and negative forces, which spread hatred and anger among the people and make people, fight each other. When their leaders come to you then you must ask them to talk only about development. Ask them about their plans for your welfare. If you remain vigilant, politicians will be more careful” he underlined.
“It is the people who possess the power. The voting right is your biggest strength. You must never forget this and should never waste this chance. It is your love that brings leaders like me to stand in front of you. It is the people who create leaders. The first and foremost quality a leader must have is respect towards people. They must be open to realise the pains of the people. No leader has the right to mislead you” explained the star campaigner for the Congress party in Amethi.
“So think wisely before casting your votes. You must vote not for Rahul Gandhi, for Amethi but for the nation. Your votes must be to strengthen our country to protect its cultural ethos and values. Amethi has always been a model for others. So you must show path to others what kind of politics the country requires. You must tell others that we need a clean politics, which aims development, understands people’s issues and put in honest efforts to find solutions for their grievances” she argued.
“I am here to convey this to you, on behalf of Rahul Gandhi as he is busy campaigning across the country. So go to vote on 7th (May) in the same way as you have assembled here today, think about my words, and take a decision to strengthen the hands of Rahul Gandhi and the Congress, so that our country will go from strength to strength” concluded Priyanka Gandhi..
Text of the speech by Priyanka Gandhi Vadra in Amethi on 29th April, 2014

Priyanka Gandhi at Amethi: Rahul follows the footsteps of his father Rajiv Gandhi

"Rahul Gandhi is also following the footsteps of his father Rajiv Gandhi" said Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, daughter of Congress President Sonia Gandhi while speaking at an election meeting at Amethi, the Lok Sabha constituency of her brother and party vice-president Rahul Gandhi. Priyanka Gandhi explained various development works took place in Amethi under Rahul Gandhi like mega food park, better connectivity, new technical/ educational institutes and milk revolution and stated, "Rahul Gandhi did all these works for you not for his political gains but out of his towards you. His heart has a special place for Amethi. This is the land of his father and Rahul Gandhi too has a family relationship with the people of Amethi. We understand your feelings and pain. It is your love that brings me to stand in front of you. Nothing is bigger than people of Amethi for all of us. We have nothing on our own. It is the people who gave us whatever we have today".

Priyanka Gandhi: Rahul Gandhi follows footsteps of Rajiv Gandhi

Priyanka Gandhi: Those who criticize Rahul Gandhi also had mocked Rajiv GandhiAmethi: “Rahul Gandhi is also following the footsteps of his father Rajiv Gandhi” said Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, daughter of Congress President Sonia Gandhi while speaking at an election meeting at Amethi in Uttar Pradesh, the Lok Sabha constituency of her brother and party vice-president Rahul Gandhi.
“When Rajiv Gandhi was introducing Telecom and IT revolution, the people in the opposition, who had a short term vision, had mocked him. But he went ahead with such moves and today the entire country and its people avail benefits. When he had initiated computer revolution, he had to face a lot of criticism from the very same people who are now lampooning Rahul Gandhi. But these benefits for the people of India and Amethi cannot be removed” said Priyanka Gandhi and also noted, “Rahul Gandhi also has the same far sighted vision in his approaches. All his plans, programmes and policies for Amethi have been in that direction, following his father’s footsteps. Some people say Rahul Gandhi did nothing for you and therefore, I have come with a long list on what he has done for Amethi. I can remember the development works done in Raebareli, but here so much of work has been done that I have to bring a long list with me”.
Priyanka Gandhi then explained various development works took place in Amethi under Rahul Gandhi like mega food park, better connectivity, new technical/ educational institutes and milk revolution and stated, “Rahul Gandhi did all these works for you not for his political gains but out of his towards you. His heart has a special place for Amethi. This is the land of his father and Rahul Gandhi too has a family relationship with the people of Amethi. We understand your feelings and pain. It is your love that brings me to stand in front of you. Nothing is bigger than people of Amethi for all of us. We have nothing on our own. It is the people who gave us whatever we have today”.
“He (Rajiv Gandhi) was a man people used to instantly relate to with love because of his gentleness. His other plus point was that he was a visionary. What all he did for Amethi was done out of his love for you. If he (Rajiv Gandhi) has done any development work like BHEL, Fursatganj airport, then that was not limited to one particular area, in fact, the spill over effect of development could be seen in near-by areas. He was right and even after his demise the people enjoy benefits of the works done by him” she said about late Prime Minister and creator of modern India, Rajiv Gandhi.
“Those people who complain that there is no development in this region have no adequate knowledge about Amethi” she added.
Priyanka then took an indirect dig at Smriti Irani, the BJP candidate in Amethi and said, “Criticising others is easy. I want to ask the candidate who contested from Chandni Chowk (Lok Sabha constituency in Delhi), whether she went there again after the polls. All those contesting against Rahul are here just to contest against Rahul Gandhi. They do not have any concern for the people here. But our hearts are always here. I and my family are here because of our concern for you”.
“I am pretty sure of your support and we will always remain committed for you” she concluded. Amethi goes to polls on 7th of May.
Text of the speech by Priyanka Gandhi at Amethi

Priyanka Gandhi at Raebareli targets Modi on Gujarat model and RSVP remark

Raebareli: Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, daughter of Congress President and UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi and sister of party Vice President Rahul Gandhi launched yet another fierce attack on BJP's prime ministerial candidate and Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi with a dig at Gujarat model and his recent RSVP remarks. "You must be listening to the speeches of various political parties through TV and all. We hear words like ABCD, RSVP.. Leaders must know they are not addressing any primary school kids but the people. The people have knowledge, wisdom and have a vision for their nation which is well above our egos" lamented the Congress campaigner.

Priyanka Gandhi to BJP: If you speak of women empowerment, do not snoop on us

Priyanka Gandhi to BJP: If you speak of women empowerment, do not snoop on us
Raebareli: Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, who has been campaigning for her mother and Congress President Sonia Gandhi in Raebareli said on Wednesday, took an indirect dig at BJP’s prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi over the issue of women empowerment.
Speaking at an election meeting in Raebareli, Priyanka Gandhi said, “If you speak of women empowerment, don’t listen to our phone conversations behind closed doors” as an indirect reference on the much controversial snoop gate issue in Gujarat under Modi government. “Leaders who indulge in such wrong deeds, who commit atrocities against women, should be thrown out of party. They must take women forward; must ensure women reservation. Are they willing to do it, you must ask them” urged Priyanka.
“If they speak of women empowerment, the women need to know how they plan to do it,” she said further. “It is the misuse of politics that you gain power with the help of people and then transfer it all into one hand. The progressive politics is to give power in the hands of people” asserted the Congress campaigner.
“This election is a big challenge for you. It will decide what sort of politics we look for. Do we need a divisive and negative politics or a positive politics which makes our country strong? Do we need a politics that gives entire power to a single person or a politics that gives power to the people?” asked Priyanka Gandhi and underlined, “We want a politics that acknowledges the power of people. Congress respected the strength of people and gave you right to information, right to job, right to food and right to education. We want to further give right to health and shelter in the future. Our opponents never do such things. They never gave you respect or realised your rights”.
Priyanka Gandhi had addressed similar campaign meeting at various other places also on Wednesday.
Text of the speech by Priyanka Gandhi Vadra in Raebareli

Priyanka Gandhi: Don’t vote for Sonia Gandhi but vote for the future of your children and country

Priyanka Gandhi in Raebareli hits back at opposition for baseless charges against her family

Raebareli: Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, daughter of Congress President Sonia Gandhi and sister of party vice-president Rahul Gandhi broke her silence on the allegations levelled by BJP against her husband.
“What is happening now? Whenever we switch on TV, we hear arrogant language and personal attacks. Many things are being said about my family, my husband. I feel sad the way humiliating things are being said. I keep telling my children that one day the truth will come out” said Priyanka Gandhi Vadra while speaking at Raebareli from where her mother Sonia Gandhi is seeking a fourth term in parliament.
“I am sad because the poll campaign, which should focus on people and development, is used for attacking us. Indira Ji had taught me, if you are sincere and honest from your heart, if your intentions are clear, then you do not have to be worried. This quality itself will act as a shield for us. The more they insult us, the stronger we emerge. The more they try to suppress us, the more we will rise. This is what I learnt from Indira Gandhi. So, the more I will be humiliated, more will be my determination to fight” further said Priyanka.
“I am not worried that they attack us. But I feel that elections must be fought with development as the main plank. It must be focussed on the requirements of the people. The agenda must be based on what we are going to do for the welfare of the people and development of our country. What are we going to for our youth, how we are going to take our country forward etc must be the main talking points in an election. But the opposition misleads people with baseless allegations against us. I feel sad for such misdeeds” she added.
“Our country is known for its rich culture, unity in diversity and peace. But these values are at danger at present. That is I want to appeal to you” warned Priyanka Gandhi and continued, “Don’t vote for Sonia Gandhi, but for a good future of your children and for your country. Vote for an India where everyone – Hindu, Muslim, Sikh, Christians, and Jain- live in harmony and love each other”. “Are we looking for a nation where people fight each other on caste and religion? Are we looking for a country where different castes and religions are being pitted against each other?” she asked.
“So, you vote for a good nation, for the future of your children and the youth here. Vote for those who will take our country forward by treating everyone equally” urged Priyanka Gandhi Vadra.
““I think there has been a political attack on my family and they have used my husband to make this attack, which has gone on for the past two years. I feel very strongly about it” she commented to the media while going back from the meeting.
Text of the speech by Priyanka Gandhi Vadra at Raebareli

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra launches a sharp attack on BJP in Raebareli, UP

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra launches a sharp attack on BJP in Raebareli, UP

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, daughter of UPA chairperson and Congress President Sonia Gandhi and the sister of party Vice President Rahul Gandhi launched a blistering attack on BJP. She visited Raebareli, UP the Lok Sabha constituency of Sonia Gandhi to campaign for the coming parliament elections. While addressing the meeting Priyanka Gandhi Vadra slammed BJP’s divisive ideology.
“You can witness a battle between two ideologies in this election. One is Congress’s ideology which believes in unity and harmony and everyone is respected; takes everyone forward. There is a BJP's ideology on the other side which works totally different. It spreads communal hatred,” said Priyanka Gandhi.
Congress policies have always been centered around you. We want to empower you,” she added. Priyanka Gandhi further said whether its Food security bill, RTI, Right to Education; Congress policies are aimed at people’s empowerment and growth. Congress has launched programs like Panchayati Raj to ensure people's empowerment, she asserted.
“BJP wants development just a handful of people. They only work for a selected group. There is all about ‘me’ and ‘I’ only in that party. They think only one person has the entire knowledge and solution of all issues,’’ she said attacking BJP.
‘’So it’s your responsibility to choose from these ideologies and cast your vote accordingly. You have to decide yourself what is good for your future,” Priyanka Gandhi further said, “you must decide whether we need harmony or unity for development" she urged.
“I have my full trust in you, the amount knowledge you have, nobody has. You know the difference between honest and the hypocrites,” added Priyanka.
Priyanka Gandhi Vadra is on a one day visit in Raebareli to support her mother and Congress President Sonia Gandhi.
Full text of speech of Priyanka Gandhi at Raebareli

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra attacks BJP and Narendra Modi

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, daughter of UPA chairperson and Congress President Sonia Gandhi and the sister of party Vice President Rahul Gandhi launched a blistering attack on BJP. She visited Raebareli, UP, Lok Sabha constituency of Sonia Gandhi; to support her mother. While addressing the masses Priyanka Gandhi Vadra lashed out BJP's divisive ideology.

Rahul Gandhi files nomination from Amethi accompanied with Sonia Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi

NEW DELHI: Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi, who is contesting from Amethi Lok Sabha seat for the third time, filed nomination papers on Saturday following a massive road show alongwith his sister Priyanka Gandhi Vadra.
Priyanka Vadra and her husband Robert Vadra accompanied Rahul Gandhi during his 40km-long roadshow from Gauriganj to Amethi collectorate. Congress president Sonia Gandhi was by his side when he filed the nomination papers.
After talking to the media persons after filing the nomination, Rahul Gandhi denied making any personal remark against BJP's prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi. "I did not make any personal remark. I just said Modi didn't mention his marital status earlier," Rahul Gandhi said.
“I have been working for more development here and I am very happy to continue my work for Amethi. The most important achievement is that the performance of the Self Help Groups here by which lots of women could get jobs and they feel secured and self reliant. Further the food park project and the works of National Highway also will be very beneficial for Amethi. Amethi is like my home and the people are my family members. I am confident about by win”, said the Congress leader.
Amethi goes to polls on May 7 and the poll process for filing nominations started today, April 12, with the issue of notification. The constituency is better known to be close to Nehru-Gandhi family since 1980, when Sanjay Gandhi represented it once and later Rajiv Gandhi represented the seat four times. Sonia Gandhi also represented the seat but later shifted to Raebareli, to vacate the seat for Rahul Gandhi later. Former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru had also represented the seat.

Priyanka Gandhi at Sultanpur talks about Varun Gandhi

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, daughter of Congress President and UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi and sister of Party Vice President Rahul Gandhi addressed a public meeting at Sultanpur in Uttar Pradesh where her cousin Varun Gandhi is the BJP candidate."Varun has lost his way and we must take him to the correct path", she urged.

LS polls: Rahul Gandhi files nomination from Amethi; Sonia Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi also present

Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi files nomination from Amethi Lok Sabha seat in Uttar Pradesh for the upcoming general elections. He was accompanied by mother and Congress President Sonia Gandhi, sister Priyanka Gandhi and Priyanka's husband Robert Vadra also present.

Priyanka Gandhi denies media reports, says her focus would be Amethi and Raebareli only

Priyanka Gandhi clarifies, her focus would be just Amethi and Raebareli
New Delhi: Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, daughter of Congress President Sonia Gandhi and sister of party vice president Rahul Gandhi, denied media reports that she was willing to contest against BJP’s prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi in Varanasi and clarified that there was no proposal for her in this direction.
Priyanka Gandhi also emphasized that her family including Rahul Gandhi have told her they would whole-heartedly back her if she ever decides to contest an election. "No one in my family would ever stop me from contesting an election. My brother, mother and husband would wholeheartedly support me if I wanted to contest," said the charismatic Congress campaigner.
"My brother has expressed to me many times that he thinks I should contest,' said Priyanka Gandhi and noted that she would for now continue to focus on managing the campaigns of Rahul Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi in their constituencies of Amethi and Raebareli respectively, in Uttar Pradesh.
"My decision to not contest is personal. I will only change it when I feel from within I should."
There were reports that Priyanka Gandhi Vadra had expressed her desire to contest against BJP's prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi in Varanasi in UP, but the proposal was shot down by senior Congress leaders. Now, the present comments categorically deny all such reports and clearly explained about her clear stand.

Rahul Gandhi in Amethi takes a dig at AAP, says he won’t advertise the work done by him

Rahul Gandhi on becoming PM: If Congress comes to power the MPs elect me, I will consider it
Amethi: Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi who is on a two-day visit to his parliamentary constituency Amethi, indicated on Thursday that he would accept the prime minister post if the elected members want so after a Congress win. Accompanied by his sister Priyanka Gandhi-Vadra, the Congress vice-president arrived on a two-day visit to his parliamentary constituency yesterday.
"In the Congress, elected MPs select the Prime Minister. If our party comes to power after the election and the MPs elect me, then I will definitely consider it," Rahul Gandhi said while responding to a specific query whether he would be willing to shoulder the Prime Minister's responsibility.
"To select a Prime Minister is the right of the MPs and it should stay with them. Selecting a nominee before polls is not a democratic culture, but part of a personality cult," Rahul Gandhi said, and cited the example of Dr Manmohan Singh's election process to buttress his argument. "He was selected by the elected representatives as, in Congress, there is no system of naming the prime ministerial candidate before polls," added the Congress leader.
Rahul Gandhi said at the same time that there were several leaders in his party's ranks who could occupy the Prime Minister's post. These include P Chidambaram, Salman Khurshid, and Digvijaya Singh, besides his mother Sonia Gandhi and him.
Earlier, the Congress MP from Amethi also took a dig at Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Kumar Vishwas, comparing him with a bhopu (trumpet) who had "come to Amethi today and would go back tomorrow.'' Rahul Gandhi also made light of the AAP leader's remarks challenging him to retain his parliamentary seat, saying he had "a love affair'' with the constituency. "Mera to Amethi se prem ka rishta hai. Bahut log aate jaate rehte hain'' (many people have come and gone, but I have a love affair with Amethi,'' he said.
Rahul Gandhi said he had not been advertising the work done by him in his constituency, as he had been advised by his father not to "trumpet'' his achievements. "I am according topmost priority to the expansion of highways network to facilitate industrialization,'' the Congress leader said. He also pointed out that over 12 lakh women had been provided work under the Self-Help Group scheme.
The Congress leader also alleged that Akhilesh Yadav's government in Uttar Pradesh had been putting obstacles in his efforts. "They are now threatening our plans on power supply and road-construction in the constituency,'' said Rahul Gandhi. The Congress vice-president reiterated his party's position on naming its prime ministerial candidate.