Sonia Gandhi campaigns for Congress in Roorkee, Uttarakhand 17 Jan 2012

Congress President and UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi kick started the campaign for the Congress in poll bound Uttarakhand. She said that the present state Government has been betraying the people in the name of development. Sonia Gandhi also said that the natural treasures of Uttarakhand are being looted and the only way to prevent it is changing the present government. Taking a swap ay BJP she pointed out that by merely changing the Chief Minister won’t help as what we require is a change in the Government.
“Uttarakhand is the land of brave people. The people from here had played a crucial role in the movement of freedom struggle. Even now a lot of people from Uttarakhand work as soldiers in the borders of our country to protect our nation” she said.
Praising Roorkie Sonia Gandhi added “As far as Roorkee is concerned, the entire world takes the name of this place with respect and pride. It was from here the first steam engine took off in 1851. A lot of students who are the future of our country have been studying in the prestigious IIT here. Uttarakhand is blessed with its natural beauty and is a treasure to watch”.

Congress Leader Rahul Gandhi in Sidhauli (U.P) Part 1

Addressing a mammoth rally at Sidhauli, Sitapur in Uttar Pradesh as part of the third phase of his campaign for Congress All India Congress Committee (AICC) General Secretary Rahul Gandhi once again criticized the twenty two years non-Congress Governments in U.P for the bad state of affairs. Rahul Gandhi promised that, given a chance, the Congress will bring back developments in Uttar Pradesh like it did in all Congress ruled states.
“We found that no jobs are available in the villages. So the first thing we did was that the implementation of MGNREGA to guarantee jobs for all. Through MGNREGA, the biggest employment generation scheme, poor are assured of jobs if they intend to work. Through this scheme poor are assured of a minimum of 100 days jobs in a year and a daily wage of Rs 120. When calculated it adds up to Rs 12,000 per year,” said Rahul Gandhi.
Slamming Mayawati for calling MGNREGA useless Rahul Gandhi remarked, “While all other states are acknowledging that MGNREGA is the most useful policy UP CM says the scheme is of no use. People in Andhra Pradesh, Haryana, Assam, Rajasthan or Kerala will vouch for the benefits of the scheme. They will admit that this scheme gave them the right for employment. But your Chief Minister on October 9 2007 said during a rally that this scheme is of no use for Uttar Pradesh. We talk about the rights of the poor and we guarantee jobs to all Mayawati ji guarantees that the funds meant for this scheme is eaten up by the elephant in Lucknow. Normally elephants eat leaves and grass but the magic elephant of Mayawati in Lucknow eats money.”

Congress Leader Rahul Gandhi in Sidhauli (U.P) Part 2

Addressing a mammoth rally at Sidhauli, Sitapur in Uttar Pradesh as part of the third phase of his campaign for Congress All India Congress Committee (AICC) General Secretary Rahul Gandhi once again criticized the twenty two years non-Congress Governments in U.P for the bad state of affairs. Rahul Gandhi promised that, given a chance, the Congress will bring back developments in Uttar Pradesh like it did in all Congress ruled states.
Referring a complaint he received on the spot that there is acute shortage of electricity in Sidhauli, Rahul Gandhi told the gathering that not only Sidhauli, every place in the state of Uttar Pradesh has this problem.
Congress General Secretary reminded that during the campaign for the Lok Sabha elections in 2004 Congress had made only single promise – a government of aam aadmi. “Political parties brought out slogans like India Shining. When those who had made the slogan were asked about its origin they said that they saw it in a television advertisement. They decided that India is shining while sitting inside their big bungalows. But in villages the reality was quite different. India cannot shine if we do not have proper roads, adequate electricity and sufficient water. In the U.P. too parties like BJP, BSP and SP have made a number of hollow promises but did nothing to fulfill those. We, on the other hand, promised a government that works for aam aadmi, poor, minorities, dalits and adivasis. The people gave mandate by electing an aam aadmi government of the Congress,” he said taking a swipe at opposition.
He spoke at length of the various changes brought about by the Congress-led UPA government at the centre. He reminded that it was the Congress that ensured empowering rights to the people like MGNREGA, Right to Information, Right of Education and now is in the process of legislation of the Right to Food by providing food at subsidized rates for the poor. “By the food Security bill every poor family is assured 35 kg of food,” Rahul Gandhi said.

Congress Leader Rahul Gandhi in Sidhauli (U.P) Part 3

Addressing a mammoth rally at Sidhauli, Sitapur in Uttar Pradesh as part of the third phase of his campaign for Congress All India Congress Committee (AICC) General Secretary Rahul Gandhi once again criticized the twenty two years non-Congress Governments in U.P for the bad state of affairs. Rahul Gandhi promised that, given a chance, the Congress will bring back developments in Uttar Pradesh like it did in all Congress ruled states.
Informing the gathering regarding the proposed Land Acquisition Amendment Bill Rahul Gandhi continued, “when rich sell their land they get the market price. But in UP under Mayawati Government if a poor farmer sells his land and asks for adequate compensation he got bullets. In Tappal and Bhatta-Parsaul striking farmers including women were assaulted by the BSP Government. Neither Mayawati nor Mulayam Singh Yadav went there. But I went there to understand their problems. Not only that, the Congress drafted a new Land Acquisition Bill to ensure that the poor farmers get adequate compensation for their lands.”
“We gave the right to food, right to education and now we are going to implement the right to food policy too. But your Chief Minister who is readying for the polls says that the Right to food is of no use like she said in the case of Mahatma Gandhi NREGA. She is getting her magic elephant ready to eat up the huge funds meant for this scheme too,” said the Congress General Secretary amidst cheers.
“We do not make hollow promises. We believe in delivering good for the aam aadmi. From 2004 we have been serving the poor. Our intention is to strengthen the hands of the poor,” claimed Rahul Gandhi.

Congress Leader Rahul Gandhi in Sidhauli (U.P) Part 4

Addressing a mammoth rally at Sidhauli, Sitapur in Uttar Pradesh as part of the third phase of his campaign for Congress All India Congress Committee (AICC) General Secretary Rahul Gandhi once again criticized the twenty two years non-Congress Governments in U.P for the bad state of affairs. Rahul Gandhi promised that, given a chance, the Congress will bring back developments in Uttar Pradesh like it did in all Congress ruled states.

Taking another dig at the opposition Rahul Gandhi went on to say “whenever we make policies for the poor, the opposition including Mayawatiji raise a number of questions. They ask from where we would have the money for the welfare schemes. But we showed them from where we can have money. There is no shortage of funds today. We believe that the country cannot shine even a single poor man is left”.
He then repeated his anguish about leaders not visiting the masses and said “Today your leaders do not come to you, talk to you or listen to you. There was a time when Mulayamji used to come to you to realize your problems. But he changed now and stopped coming to you. Till the leaders come to you and interact with you they cannot understand poverty. You will feel that all is well when you travel by helicopter. The conditions at grass root level are pathetic here.”
To substantiate his leader-aam aadmi theory Rahul Gandhi cited one of his personal experiences. “I went to a hospital in UP where some painting and renovation works were going on. I went inside. There were no doctors, patients or nurses. Four-five dogs were scampering inside. I asked them what is going on. They said that Mayawati is on a tour to this area and she will be visiting the hospital and therefore the renovation. As she was expected to take the road route from the helipad the roads were being repaired and the hospital building was being painted. This is the state of affairs ion your state.”

Congress Leader Rahul Gandhi in Sidhauli (U.P) Part 5

Addressing a mammoth rally at Sidhauli, Sitapur in Uttar Pradesh as part of the third phase of his campaign for Congress All India Congress Committee (AICC) General Secretary Rahul Gandhi once again criticized the twenty two years non-Congress Governments in U.P for the bad state of affairs. Rahul Gandhi promised that, given a chance, the Congress will bring back developments in Uttar Pradesh like it did in all Congress ruled states.
“When the entire Bundelkhand region was badly affected by the drought, Mayawatiji did not find it suitable to go there. I also requested her to visit Bundelkhand, but she did not pay a visit,” he added.
“I come to you. I share your meals. Drink water from your well and sometimes even fall ill. I have kept on doing this for the past seven years. All because I want to know the real issues of the poor and aam aadmi,” he said amidst cheers of acknowledgement.
“Has your CM (Mayawati) come to you in the past five years? Has she talked to you? Has she drunk water from your well? Is she travelling through the shabby roads here? ” asked Rahul Gandhi and the huge crowd responded with a big ‘no’.
“Your people go to Mumbai, Delhi, Assam, Manipur or Punjab for jobs. You built the shining Metro in Delhi. When the entire Delhi sleeps you work overnight. Your people go as far as Ladak for work. I asked people of UP I met in Ladak. They said that they had no option as there were no jobs available in UP,” argued Rahul Gandhi.
Then the young Congress leader reminded, “it is your responsibility to put an end to these bad affairs in Uttar Pradesh. You need leaders who come to you, listen to you and understand you. If you need a change you need a Government who thinks about your future, your children’s education and the future of the young generation”.
“You wasted 22 years of the state by electing non-Congress Governments” asserted Rahul Gandhi and continued “in UP non-Congress parties have been talking about caste and religion at the cost of welfare of poor. They work only for 10% of the society and ignored the rest 90%. They talked about particular caste only and did not bother about the people as a whole. This is not the matter of politics but is of your future”.

Congress Leader Rahul Gandhi in Sidhauli (U.P) Part 6

Addressing a mammoth rally at Sidhauli, Sitapur in Uttar Pradesh as part of the third phase of his campaign for Congress All India Congress Committee (AICC) General Secretary Rahul Gandhi once again criticized the twenty two years non-Congress Governments in U.P for the bad state of affairs. Rahul Gandhi promised that, given a chance, the Congress will bring back developments in Uttar Pradesh like it did in all Congress ruled states.
Referring a complaint he received on the spot that there is acute shortage of electricity in Sidhauli, Rahul Gandhi told the gathering that not only Sidhauli, every place in the state of Uttar Pradesh has this problem.
“You gave 22 years for other parties. Now give us five years. You can see the states Maharashtra, Haryana, Delhi or Kerala where Congress is in power. All are developing. We will change UP too,” promised Rahul Gandhi.
“Don’t the people of UP have the right to earn a job in their own state? Don’t they have the right to get their children educated here in UP?” he asked.
“Now you think about bringing changes. Think about bringing in a Government of aam aadmi who talks about your future and development of the state. Certainly you can do it. I am here with you to support you. You have the strength,” said Rahul Gandhi encouraging the crowd. “The moment you will have a government who thinks about the development, the situation will change. If Congress comes to power the development will be visible in five years and within 10 years the face of your state will be changed completely,” added Rahul Gandhi.
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“Today your hands have been tied. The moment you are free you can make terrible changes in the state. So think for a change. Bring in a Government who thinks about your future, development and progress. Elect Congress to bring in a government of aam aadmi,” concluded Rahul Gandhi.

Congress Leader Rahul Gandhi in Tilhar (U.P) Part 1

Committee (AICC) General Secretary Rahul Gandhi said that the state can surge ahead only if the leaders have a long term vision. He asserted that it was because of Rajiv Gandhi’s long term vision for a modern and stronger India our country is benefitted by the computersand mobile phones. On the third day of the second phase of Congress’ Campaign for the polls bound state Rahul Gandhi promised that a Congress Government will lead Uttar Pradesh to regain its lost glory. “You know all the Congress ruled states have been progressing because of the policies with long term vision. You can see that states like Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Delhi and Rajasthan all are surging ahead. But your leaders think only about today. They lack long term vision” he asserted.Invoking his late father and former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi who led the country to Information Technology Telecom and Computers revolution Rahul Gandhi said that it was Rajiv Gandhi who brought in computers, telephones, STD and PCOs. We are enjoying the benefits of the initiatives he took about 20 years ago.

Congress Leader Rahul Gandhi in Tilhar (U.P) Part 2

Addressing a Congress workers’ rally at Tilhar, Shahjahanpur in Uttar Pradesh, All India Congress Committee (AICC) General Secretary Rahul Gandhi said that the state can surge ahead only if the leaders have a long term vision. He asserted that it was because of Rajiv Gandhi’s long term vision for a modern and stronger India our country is benefitted by the computersand mobile phones. On the third day of the second phase of Congress’ Campaign for the polls bound state Rahul Gandhi promised that a Congress Government will lead Uttar Pradesh to regain its lost glory. “But those benefits reached you rather slowly. Why? Because your present Chief Minister and Mulayam Singh Yadavji think only about today. They do not think for the future” he said while taking a dig at Mulayam Singh Yadav for his anti-computer and anti-English stand. “Mulayam Singh Yadavji had said that there would be no use with English or Computers. When the entire world is being benefitted by the computers and English your former Chief Minister said that there is no use. But his son knows Computers. He speaks with me in English. But the poor people were denied of the benefits of computers or English,” he reminded the gathering.

Congress Leader Rahul Gandhi in Tilhar (U.P) Part 3

Addressing a Congress workers’ rally at Tilhar, Shahjahanpur in Uttar Pradesh, All India Congress Committee (AICC) General Secretary Rahul Gandhi said that the state can surge ahead only if the leaders have a long term vision. He asserted that it was because of Rajiv Gandhi’s long term vision for a modern and stronger India our country is benefitted by the computersand mobile phones. On the third day of the second phase of Congress’ Campaign for the polls bound state Rahul Gandhi promised that a Congress Government will lead Uttar Pradesh to regain its lost glory. Congress General Secretary recalled the Congress campaigning for the Lok Sabha elections in 2004. “Congress had made only single promise – a government that would work for the common man. We had promised a government that works for the poor, dalits and adivasis. Our first policy was the biggest employment generation scheme called MGNREGA. We found that there no jobs available for the poor in the villages and the people are forced to migrate to big cities,” said Rahul Gandhi underlining the significance of the MGNREGA scheme and added that through this scheme poor are assured of a minimum of 100 days jobs in a year with a daily wage of Rs 120 which comes to Rs 12,000 a year. Now this is not just a scheme but a law.“ Rahul Gandhi continued questioning the incumbent Mayawati regime. “Your Chief Minister of UP says that MGNREGA is of no use. While all other states are acknowledging that MGNREGA is the most useful policy UP Chief Minister says that the scheme is of no use. On 9th October 2007 Mayawatiji during a rally had said that the MGNREGA is not beneficial for the state. You go to any place. Every poor person will admit that they are all benefitted by the scheme.”

Congress Leader Rahul Gandhi in Tilhar (U.P) Part 4

Addressing a Congress workers’ rally at Tilhar, Shahjahanpur in Uttar Pradesh, All India Congress Committee (AICC) General Secretary Rahul Gandhi said that the state can surge ahead only if the leaders have a long term vision. He asserted that it was because of Rajiv Gandhi’s long term vision for a modern and stronger India our country is benefitted by the computersand mobile phones. On the third day of the second phase of Congress’ Campaign for the polls bound state Rahul Gandhi promised that a Congress Government will lead Uttar Pradesh to regain its lost glory. Taking another dig at Mayawati he said, “one way Mayawatiji was right. But the BSP leaders no one in UP got benefitted. The elephant of Mayawati, who eats money, was benefitted. Mayawati pulled a magic by converting the grass eating elephant to money eating one.”
“The money they eat is not the money of the government in Delhi or the government in UP. The money is yours. You work in Delhi, Haryana and Punjab and help those places to develop. And the Centre money gets money from those places. What is the duty of the Government? Government should use these funds properly for the welfare of the people and the state. It should provide roads, education and health security. The roads in UP last only for three months all that is left is gutters and potholes. In fact the funds meant for you are being looted,” he rued.

Congress Leader Rahul Gandhi in Tilhar (U.P) Part 5

Addressing a Congress workers’ rally at Tilhar, Shahjahanpur in Uttar Pradesh, All India Congress Committee (AICC) General Secretary Rahul Gandhi said that the state can surge ahead only if the leaders have a long term vision. He asserted that it was because of Rajiv Gandhi’s long term vision for a modern and stronger India our country is benefitted by the computersand mobile phones. On the third day of the second phase of Congress’ Campaign for the polls bound state Rahul Gandhi promised that a Congress Government will lead Uttar Pradesh to regain its lost glory. He then shared one of his experiences. “Few days back I went to a village and asked them whether they got any funds under Indira Vikas. Some people nodded that they got it. But suddenly one lady got up and said that she also got the money but had to pay Rs 10,000 as bribe. One other lady also said the same thing. Actually to avail any welfare schemes in Uttar Pradesh you are forced to bribe the concerned officials.” “You go to Delhi. Your efforts led to development of Delhi. Don’t you see the progress in Delhi? Don’t you see progress in Maharashtra,” he asked adding, “wherever Congress is in power, you can experience the development. It never worked on the basis of religion. We never bother about castes. We talk only about development.”

Congress Leader Rahul Gandhi in Tilhar (U.P) Part 6

Addressing a Congress workers’ rally at Tilhar, Shahjahanpur in Uttar Pradesh, All India Congress Committee (AICC) General Secretary Rahul Gandhi said that the state can surge ahead only if the leaders have a long term vision. He asserted that it was because of Rajiv Gandhi’s long term vision for a modern and stronger India our country is benefitted by the computersand mobile phones. On the third day of the second phase of Congress’ Campaign for the polls bound state Rahul Gandhi promised that a Congress Government will lead Uttar Pradesh to regain its lost glory. Referring the previous non-Congress Governments in UP he said, “in UP for the past 22 years your governments worked for only a particular caste or religion. They never bothered about the people as a whole but looted your money. You trusted SP and expected them to develop your state. But what had happened? Criminal took over even the police stations. People were not able to fire a FIR even. Rampant corruption was seen all around. You were angry with Mulayam Singh. You then trusted BSP. You elected them with a thumping majority with 208 seats. But did they come to you after that.”Referring to Bundelkhand package Rahul Gandhi continued, “I went to Bundelkhand and personally experienced the pathetic conditions there. Central government sanctioned a relief package of Rs 3,000 crrore. Mayawati ji never took pain to visit Bundelkhand or to know the pain and agony of the people there. But the funds of Rs, 3,000 crore vanished. It went to the pockets of the ministers. Who is the looser? It is the poor people who are the losers. This is not only the case with Bundelkhand. It applies everywhere in UP. ”

Congress Leader Rahul Gandhi in Tilhar (U.P) Part 7

Addressing a Congress workers’ rally at Tilhar, Shahjahanpur in Uttar Pradesh, All India Congress Committee (AICC) General Secretary Rahul Gandhi said that the state can surge ahead only if the leaders have a long term vision. He asserted that it was because of Rajiv Gandhi’s long term vision for a modern and stronger India our country is benefitted by the computersand mobile phones. On the third day of the second phase of Congress’ Campaign for the polls bound state Rahul Gandhi promised that a Congress Government will lead Uttar Pradesh to regain its lost glory. Criticising the reprehensible stand of the Mayawati Government towards the farmers he said, “when rich sell their land they get the market price. But if a poor farmer sells his land and asks for adequate compensation he is punished and labeled as Naxals. In Tappal and Bhatta-Parsaul a lot of farmers were assaulted by the BSP Government. Police fired at the agitating farmers when they were fighting against the wrong land acquisition by the UP Government. No one from the SP, BJP or SP attended the farmers. But we went there, listened to them and understood their problems”.“Till a leader goes to the poor, stays with them, eat at their home and drink water from their houses and get sick they cannot understand poverty,” emphasized Rahul Gandhi.

Congress Leader Rahul Gandhi in Tilhar (U.P) Part 8

Addressing a Congress workers’ rally at Tilhar, Shahjahanpur in Uttar Pradesh, All India Congress Committee (AICC) General Secretary Rahul Gandhi said that the state can surge ahead only if the leaders have a long term vision. He asserted that it was because of Rajiv Gandhi’s long term vision for a modern and stronger India our country is benefitted by the computersand mobile phones. On the third day of the second phase of Congress’ Campaign for the polls bound state Rahul Gandhi promised that a Congress Government will lead Uttar Pradesh to regain its lost glory. He said that for those who travel by helicopter feels that all is well. But they do not see the reality. They sit in sprawling bungalows in Lucknow and think that everything is fine. He then cited an example and said, “I went to a hospital in UP where some painting and renovation works were going on. I went inside. There were no doctors, patients or nurses. Dogs were scampering inside. I asked them what is going on. They said that Mayawati is on a tour to this area and she will be visiting the hospital and therefore the renovation. As she was expected to take the road route so the roads were being repaired and the hospital building was being painted.”

Congress Leader Rahul Gandhi in Tilhar (U.P) Part 9

Addressing a Congress workers’ rally at Tilhar, Shahjahanpur in Uttar Pradesh, All India Congress Committee (AICC) General Secretary Rahul Gandhi said that the state can surge ahead only if the leaders have a long term vision. He asserted that it was because of Rajiv Gandhi’s long term vision for a modern and stronger India our country is benefitted by the computersand mobile phones. On the third day of the second phase of Congress’ Campaign for the polls bound state Rahul Gandhi promised that a Congress Government will lead Uttar Pradesh to regain its lost glory. “Your hands are tied for the past 22 years. You built the shining Metro in Delhi. You constructed big buildings Mumbai. But you are not able to do anything here in your own state. Your leaders try to divide you in the name of caste and religion,” argued Rahul Gandhi.

Congress Leader Rahul Gandhi in Tilhar (U.P) Part 10

Addressing a Congress workers’ rally at Tilhar, Shahjahanpur in Uttar Pradesh, All India Congress Committee (AICC) General Secretary Rahul Gandhi said that the state can surge ahead only if the leaders have a long term vision. He asserted that it was because of Rajiv Gandhi’s long term vision for a modern and stronger India our country is benefitted by the computersand mobile phones. On the third day of the second phase of Congress’ Campaign for the polls bound state Rahul Gandhi promised that a Congress Government will lead Uttar Pradesh to regain its lost glory. He then urged all the people to work together to change Uttar Pradesh. “Give us five years. We are not asking for 22 years. Only five years. We promised a government of aam aadmi in Delhi. We did it. We brought in policies like NGNREGA, RTI, Food Security Bill. Our intention is positive. We will take UP forward,” said Rahul Gandhi.

Congress Leader Rahul Gandhi in Tilhar (U.P) Part 12

Addressing a Congress workers’ rally at Tilhar, Shahjahanpur in Uttar Pradesh, All India Congress Committee (AICC) General Secretary Rahul Gandhi said that the state can surge ahead only if the leaders have a long term vision. He asserted that it was because of Rajiv Gandhi’s long term vision for a modern and stronger India our country is benefitted by the computersand mobile phones. On the third day of the second phase of Congress’ Campaign for the polls bound state Rahul Gandhi promised that a Congress Government will lead Uttar Pradesh to regain its lost glory. He then urged the people to think about development, progress, future and jobs in the state. “Please think about changing your state. If Congress comes to power the development will be visible in five years and within 10 years the face of your state will be changed completely,” he said.

Congress Leader Rahul Gandhi in Tilhar (U.P) Part 13

Addressing a Congress workers’ rally at Tilhar, Shahjahanpur in Uttar Pradesh, All India Congress Committee (AICC) General Secretary Rahul Gandhi said that the state can surge ahead only if the leaders have a long term vision. He asserted that it was because of Rajiv Gandhi’s long term vision for a modern and stronger India our country is benefitted by the computersand mobile phones. On the third day of the second phase of Congress’ Campaign for the polls bound state Rahul Gandhi promised that a Congress Government will lead Uttar Pradesh to regain its lost glory. Encouraging the Congress workers Rahul Gandhi concluded, “Wherever Congress is in power, you can see development there. We do not talk about caste or religion but think only about development. We give only one promise, a Government of aam aadmi and we will deliver it. ”

Congress Leader Rahul Gandhi in Bisauli (U.P) Part 10

Congress General Secretary Rahul Gandhi while addressing a public rally at Bisauli in Uttar Pradesh, said that only a government of aam aadmi can bring changes in the state and lead state back on the top. He then assured the people that If Congress comes to power then there will be government of aam aadmi in UP as well. ‘Things will back on track in five years and within 10 years the face of your state will be changed completely. The people from other states will start coming to Uttar Pradesh. So raise to the occasion, think about your future and change Uttar Pradesh,” concluded Rahul Gandhi.