Emphasising that Congress is not merely a party but an idea of equality, Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi said BJP’s slogan, Congress party ko desh se nikalo (throw out Congress from the country) aims at destroying that equality.
“But we will defeat them (BJP) and take everybody along with us,” Rahul declared at an election rally in Mangalore on Friday.
While BJP talks about a single chowkidar who is not concerned about others, Congress stands for many chowkidars as one cannot take India to the heights of glory, Rahul stressed. Throughout his speech, he drew comparisons between Congress and BJP and how the former is better in many ways for the poor and the country in general.
The Congress manifesto, he pointed out, has incorporated suggestions of over five lakh people. The manifesto espouses the cause of women and youths, Rahul stressed. “Congress has reserved 50 per cent seats for women in local bodies and is committed to providing 33 per cent reservation in legislature and Lok Sabha,” he said.
Underlining Congress’ resolve to root out corruption, he said despite resistance, the government passed the Lokpal Bill and will pass the remaining anti-graft legislations stalled in the Parliament. Terming Karnataka a progressive state, Rahul said the Congress government, under different chief ministers, has helped farmers increase their yield and popularised Bangalore as an IT destination.
“BJP government that came to power for the first time in the state created a record of sorts with the Chief Minister landing behind bars,” he said sarcastically.
He said as Congress candidate B Janardhan Poojary was selected by party workers under the primary system, it is their duty to help him win the Lok sabha elections.
Takes on Modi over Corruption
Meanwhile, addressing a convention in Bellary, the Congress vice-president said while BJP’s prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi speaks out against corruption, his party has fielded tainted leaders like former chief minister B S Yeddyurappa.
“It is widely known that the previous BJP government was run and controlled by the Reddy brothers from Bellary,” Rahul said at a convention.
He asked Modi why he is silent on rising corruption in BJP-ruled states like Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh.
Rahul promised to introduce pro-poor schemes such as the Right to Health and said his party has been planning to set up industrial corridors in Bangalore, Delhi, Mumbai and Chennai to create employment.
Congress will also introduce an Anti-corruption Bill if voted to power, Rahul said.
Recalling his family’s association with Bellary, he said developmental projects planned by the Congress will benefit the Hyderabad-Karnataka region.