Tura, March 18: Congress vice-president, Rahul Gandhi today introduced
Congress candidate for Tura parliamentary seat, Daryl William Momin at
Resubelpara in North Garo Hills. He made an attempt to draw an
emotional connect by referring to Congress and his family’s
affiliation to Meghalaya.
In his 30 minute address, Gandhi dwelt much on UPA’s flagship program
and representation of every community, irrespective of caste, creed
and colour. Though he did not hit out at Narendra Modi, but stated
that opposition likes to divide the people.
“The opposition believes in centralization of power and politics of
anger. Congress party believes in uniting people, giving power to
people, power of youth, women to transform the society and the
politics of love”, he said.
Surprisingly, he did not mention a word appealing the crowd to vote
for the Congress candidate.
Gandhi began his speech by greeting the people in local dialect,
Namenga ma (How are you?).
Referring to Arunachal’s Nido Tania killing few months back in New
Delhi, Gandhi said, “It is because of ignorance that Nido was killed”.
Elaborating on the point, Gandhi said, “Congress stands for every
single Indian for their equal space in the country. People of Garo
hills and Meghalaya should feel home anywhere in India”.
He also emphasized on Congress party’s ambitious plan to connect
Meghalaya through road, rail and air connectivity with the rest of
India. He mentioned few projects, which are ongoing and completed like
– NH 62 (Rongjeng, Songsak – Williamnagar), rail link at Mendipathar
and Resubelpara, Shillong by-pass and direct road from Tura to
Shillong.
Not directly hitting out at the opposition, Gandhi said, “Congress
party has initiated welfare programmes and development projects in
Meghalaya. Our party has put top priority for education and
empowerment of youth and women”.
Gandhi made references of different policies of state government and
focused on how it could be harnessed for deriving benefits.
On women empowerment, Gandhi said, “Policies for financial inclusion
of women has been undertaken by the party. The Congress party has
ensured reservation of women in the parliament and assembly”.
On poverty elevation, Gandhi said, “14 cr people have derived benefits
from UPA’s NREGA and right to food Act. We will continue to work for
the interest of the people. We will transform lives of 70 cr people,
who are middle class”.
On rural electrification in Meghalaya, Gandhi said, “Opposition in
failed to provide electricity, our party ensured rural
electrification. In Meghalaya, 85 per cent village has been covered”.
On corruption, Gandhi said, “Congress has given right to information
Act. However, the opposition keeps targeting us. If they have anything
to point out, why are they not using RTI? Our party has taken the
initiative to introduce six anti-corruption bills, but the opposition
did not allow.”
On education, Gandhi said, “Education will be made accessible to poor
people in the country along with right to health care”.
Meghalaya chief minister, Mukul Sangma, social welfare minister,
Deborah C Marak, former chief minister, Salseng Marak and host of
other politicians and party functionaries were present during the
rally.(SP News)
