Gujarat: Rahul sounds poll bugle; calls Modi pro-rich

The Congress vice president asked people if Vibrant Gujarat had helped them in any way. Amit Agnihotri reports.

Rahul Gandhi unveiled his ‘pro-poor agenda’ to win back Gujarat from the Bharatiya Janata Party and took potshots at Prime Minister Narendra Modi for catering only to the rich.

Elections for the 182 seat Gujarat assembly are likely in November this year.

Launching the Congress’ poll campaign from Dediya Pada, a tribal area, Rahul asked people if the Vibrant Gujarat concept promoted by Modi had brought any benefits to them over the past 20 years.

Taking a dig at PM’s radio programme Mann Ki Baat, Rahul exuded confidence that the Congress would come back to power and the state government would rather listen to the views of the poor voters.

The rally at Dediya Pada was in continuation of a series of events the state unit had launched recently to mobilise Tribal votes, where the BJP too is trying to get a toe hold.

Rahul reminded the voters of the United Progressive Alliance’s land bill and said PM Modi had tried to change it. He charged the Bharatiya Janata Party wanted to take away the land of tribals and give it to the rich for a song. The Congress government will not be run by an individual, he declared, hitting at ‘Modi’s style of functioning’.

The Congress vice president further attacked the BJP saying that the resourceful Patels, who used to support the BJP, were worried over the lack of educational facilities for their children.

Trying to connect with the Tribals, Rahul said their traditional rights over water, land and forest would be protected by the Congress as he charged PM Modi of diluting the laws meant to empower the panchayati raj institutions.

Acknowledging that the Congress was poor at marketing itself, Rahul said his party rather works for the people than make false promises.

Mentioning the note ban, the Congress leader said PM Modi took away their savings in a single stroke. He appreciated the work done by women in promoting Anand milk cooperative movement and said the youth in the state had no jobs due to BJP’s policies.

May 1 was chosen to launch the Congress’ poll campaign as it was also foundation day of Gujarat.

IMAGE: Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi addresses a public meeting at Dediya Pada in Gujarat's Narmada district on Monday. Photograph: PTI Photo