Firdaus Khan
Dehradun (Uttarakhand). Kick starting the Congress campaign in poll bound Uttarakhand, Congress General Secretary Rahul Gandhi struck the chord with the people by addressing a huge rally at Parade Ground, Dehradun. He lashed out at the BJP Government in the state. Rahul Gandhi said that it was the Congress which first talked about the rights of the people.  He asserted that Congress will provide a Government which thinks about the future and development of Uttarakhand.
Recalling his early education in the Doon School here, he said that his father sent him for schooling to Dehradun, not because of the hills and beautiful scenery, but the fact that the city was an educational centre of the country. “Sadly this was not worked upon to make it an international educational hub by the government of the day”, he added .  “Years back, I studied in the Doon School here in Dehradun. I learnt a lot from this place. I liked the place and the people here”.
Referring the ideologies of Congress and BJP Rahul Gandhi said “Election is round the corner. Here the fight is between two ideologies”. He continued “In 2004 there was a clash between these two ideologies. We promised a Government of aam aadmi and we delivered it. As a result the country showed signs of development. The poor, farmers, common man, businessmen, industrialists all contributed and our country developed”. Taking a dig at BJP he added “When we made only single promise, a government that would work for the common man, our opponents brought out a slogan ‘India Shining’. They did not go to the villages. They forgot the poor people in the country, but coined this slogan in English. When people asked from where they got this slogan, they answered that they found in TV that India is shining”. Rahul Gandhi said that BJP scripted it while sitting inside their AC bungalows without noting that country cannot shine without sufficient electricity, water or roads. “So while other parties made a number of hollow promises we promised a government that works for the aam aadmi, poor, dalits and adivasis. People gave a befitting reply by electing an aam aadmi government of the Congress” added the Congress General Secretary.
He spoke at length of the various changes brought about by the Congress-led UPA government at the centre, which had brought in the right to employment under guarantee to work through MGNREGA, the right to get all information under the Right to Information, education for all under the Right of Education in which free mid-day meals were thrown in as an incentive to the children and now was bringing in the Right to Food by providing food at subsidized costs of to the poor.
On the contrary, the Uttarakhand government thinks only in terms of usurping the money given by the centre for various projects, may it be for the Kumbh Mela, for the construction of roads, for health and education schemes, which was why the money was not percolating down to the masses and development was not visible. Rahul Gandhi also referred to the CAG report regarding the misuse of Kumbh Mela funds.
“We made a revolutionary programme by the implementation of Mahatma Gandhi NREGA. By this programme we connected development with power. We found that no jobs are available in the villages. People are forced to migrate to big cities. Rich were getting jobs but the poor in the villages got no jobs. So we introduced MGNREGA to guarantee jobs for all. We ensured that the jobs reached to the villages by this scheme. All the poor in the country are now guaranteed to get a job if they want. This is not mere a scheme but a law now,” he claimed and continued “Earlier only MPs, MLAs or bureaucrats were able to gather any information about the Government officers or its actions. The common man were not having any right to gather any such information. But by bringing the Right to Information (RTI) Act, UPA ensured that this power reaches to all the people in the country. When this was implemented a number of cases of corruption came out. A heap of concealed information could be brought out. By the Right to Education (RTE) policy every poor children was ensured education. The Mid-day-meal scheme acted as a catalyst to help the poor children to attend school regularly”.
“We want to ensure that you get all the benefits at your home state as well as across the country. Whatever caste, religion or region you belong to, you should have the rights” argued Rahul Gandhi.
Referring UID card he said “Now we carry multiple cards alongwith us. But we intend to bring a single card (UID) which will contain all the details of the citizen including the bank account number. The purpose behind connecting bank account with the card is to ensure that the welfare funds sent by the Centre reach the people promptly and properly”.
 Taking a swipe at BJP he added “The opposition talks about corruption. But we believe in action. We do not believe in mere talks but want to deliver”. Asserting that the present day government was only concerned with looting the money being given for it, rather than thinking of the development and future of the state and the people, he said that the need of the hour was to bring a government that has a long term perspective in mind for the people.
Alleging misuse and loot of various central funds Rahul Gandhi said “This is your money. Lot of BJP leaders are involved in land scam here. 17 Hydro electric projects in the state were given to a single person. Why? Whose money is this? Not of BJP. But it is the money of the people”.
Reiterating Congress’ commitment towards the cause of farmers’ Rahul Gandhi said, “UPA is committed towards the welfare of the farmers. The intention behind the Central government to waive off loan worth Rs 60,000 crore was to serve the common man. We opened the doors of the banks for the farmers”.
“We send money to Uttarakhand but it vanishes here” alleged the Congress General Secretary. “In this matter there is a competition between two states. Uttarakhand and Karnataka” said the Congress MP taking a swipe at the BJP ruled Karnataka Government. “Your Chief Minister was removed from the post but was offered higher party positions” he added.
“Now you need a change and need a Government which thinks for the future and plans with long term prospect” he asserted. “You enjoy the benefit of mobile phones today. But remember the policy for the same was framed twenty years back” said Rahul Gandhi recalling the contributions of his father and late Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi.
Appreciating the richness of the state Rahul Gandhi continued “This place is one of the best educational centres in the country. Here we have the good schools in Asia. You are top in the human resources. This place can be developed as International hub. This can be made a good Educational centre in the world like California”.
“The problem here is with the Government” he complained. “We need a Government which thinks for the future. Thinks about development, computers, English and progress” he argued. Once again pointing towards the bad state of affairs in U.P he said “U.P lags far behind than you. You are better placed. You have schools, institutions and industries”.
“So bring a Government which is committed for development and thinks about your future. We can take the state ahead of USA and England. We got everything but a good Government” quipped Rahul Gandhi.
“Centre sends funds whatever the state asks for. There is no shortage of money and there is no shortage of robbers too” said the Congress youth leader. “So you can bring changes by changing the system” argued Rahul Gandhi and continued his address referring the democratic elections in the Youth Congress and NSUI. “Earlier there used to be nominations to elect leaders in NSUI and Youth Congress. Now we changed the system and now leaders are chosen on their merits and democratically” he claimed.
“Our Hindustan is the Hindustan for all. Every people in this country have the strength. We should believe in inclusive growth. Congress is committed for development and inclusive growth. In the next ten years we will see more positive changes in India under the Congress” Rahul Gandhi concluded extending New Year greetings to the people of Uttarakhand.