Rahul sounds poll bugle in Gujarat

RAHUL GANDHI SAID NO LEADER FROM

ANY OTHER PARTY JOINING THE CONGRESS AHEAD OF ELECTIONS WILL BE GIVEN A TICKET

Confident of a victory, Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi on Monday sounded the bugle for the Gujarat assembly polls by asserting that the party will field only grassroots workers.

Interacting with party workers at the Sabarmati riverfront in Ahmedabad, Gandhi said candidates will be selected soon for the polls likely to be held in November-December. He added that no leader from any other party joining the Congress ahead of polls will be given ticket.

In what Congress called a unique programme, Gandhi answered 10 pre-selected questions from thousands of workers that arrived here from all 182 constituencies.

Gujarat Congress chief Bharatsinh Solanki read out the questions that ranged from the Congress’ stand on Goods and Services Tax (GST), unemployment and condition of farmers to small and medium scale industries.

“We all know the Modi government works for a handful of wealthy industrialists,” Gandhi said.

He added, “The BJP gave away a sum to Tata Nano plant, which was double the amount of collective debt on Gujarat farmers — ₹30,000 crore.’’

The Congress vice-president also alleged that be it health or education, all the sectors had become a business as the BJP had converted them to private units.

He alleged that while Congress tried to protect farmers’ land through Land Acquisition Bill, the Modi government tried its best to stall the bill and later cancel it in the state.

In response to a question about the Modi government’s control over media, Gandhi said, “...But the real condition of farmers cannot be kept hidden. Besides, not the entire media has been bought. There are still some who want to write against the Modi government’’.

Gandhi was also scheduled to meet professionals and businessmen to know their opinion about GST and other issues.

This was the first event by the Congress after the Rajya Sabha elections where party veteran Ahmed Patel managed to win, even though six MLAs resigned and eight other cross-voted in favour of the BJP.

Most of the rebels have joined the BJP and others are likely to do so soon.

The trouble for the Congress in the state began when former chief minister Shankersinh Vaghela disassociated with the party, alleging lack of focus, direction and unity ahead of crucial assembly elections.