subject: Central schemes and funds don't reach the common man: Rahul Gandhi [print this page] Central schemes and funds don't reach the common man: Rahul Gandhi
15th April 2009
Congress General Secretary Rahul Gandhi, while addressing an election rally in Madhubani (Bihar) launched a scathing attack on Raj Thackeray for his hate speeches against North Indians. He said that full security will be given to people migrating to Mumbai or anywhere else in the country. He said that people should ignore Raj Thackray. "India is one. If Raj Thackeray makes hate speeches let him continue to do so, but please ignore it," Rahul Gandhi said during a rally at Pandaul, about six kms from Bihar's Madhubani district headquarters. Rahul Gandhi was canvassing for Congress nominee and Union minister of State for Home, Shakeel Ahmed. "The UPA government led by Manmohan Singh has done everything possible for the poor people in the country during the past five years. We are committed to uplift the Dalits, the poor and other oppressed sections of our society," Congress General Secretary said.
Appealing to all present to vote for Congress Party, he said, "It's very good that Congress is going it alone in the forthcoming Lok Sabha polls in Bihar." Rahul Gandhi attacked the Nitish Kumar led NDA government in Bihar. "While India is progressing, Bihar is going backward," he said. "Centrally sponsored schemes are being trapped in Patna, preventing the poor from reaping any benefit. Lakhs of people from Bihar migrate to other states, including Punjab, Maharashtra and New Delhi for jobs." Remembering his visit to a village in Uttar Pradesh where he met a dalit family, Congress General Secretary said he was moved by the plight of the family members.
The UPA, during its five years' rule at the Centre had tried to bring justice to the poor people, dalits and farmers, he added. Listing out the achievements of the UPA government, he said, "many schemes were launched for the poor and loans of farmers were also waived off. We have enacted a legislation guaranteeing jobs for 100 days to poor people, besides waiving off loans to farmers," he said. He also criticized the state government for its failure to provide help to the flood victims in Bihar.
Lauding the performance of Shakeel Ahmed as Union Minister, he said his party candidate for Madhubani Parliamentary constituency had been in constant touch with him for development in the area.
"We have given lots of projects for Madhubani. The district now has direct rail connectivity with most of the major cities, including New Delhi, Mumbai and Kolkata", he said.
