Sonia Gandhi: “We should give importance to empower the tribal women”

Addressing an All India Mahila Congress function at 24 Akbar Road in New Delhi Congress President and UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi underlined the importance of ensuring better development in the adivasi dominated regions. She also stressed the need of empowering the tribal women in the country. Congress has empowered women and we should give importance to empower the tribal women too she said.

Sonia Gandhi also wanted that the party workers should take the good work of the Congress-led UPA to the people and educate them about the programs initiated by the government for their welfare. The Congress President also asked the workers to ensure that all the welfare programs are being implemented properly ; and if not so, she asked them to fight for its proper implementation.

Congress President sought earnest implementation of rural development programs to defeat left wing extremism and asked the Centre and state governments to make efforts in this direction.

Sonia Gandhi said many districts, which have predominant tribal population, were infested with Maoists and insurgents. There are lots of adivasi dominated areas in various states of our country. We also see left extremism and insurgency at those places. The implementation of better rural development programs is the only solution for this. The Centre and state Governments should do their fundamental and Constitutional duty in helping tribals with full earnestness, asserted Sonia Gandhi.

And if we do so, we will be able to bring those people who are in the path of violence to the democratic mainstream, said Sonia Gandhi. The UPA Chairperson also urged the Congress workers to work more effectively among the adivasis for their welfare and upliftment.

Highlighting the contribution of Adivais to our culture she said Adivasis are a part of our culture. They have played a crucial role to enrich the culture of our country. Now we should pay more attention to ensure them proper modern education and economic comfort.

The Congress has a very long and good relationship with the Adivasis. We want to take forward this relationship further. And I hope this meeting will be a positive step forward therein direction hoped the Congress President.

While concluding her speech Sonia Gandhi extended her Xmas and New year greetings to all.

This article is posted by pressbrief.in

Congress General Secretary Rahul Gandhi in Badaun U.P

Addressing a Congress workers’ meet at Badaun in Uttar Pradesh, All India Congress Committee (AICC) General Secretary Rahul Gandhi said that the state can surge ahead only if the leaders think with long term vision. He added that it was because of Rajiv Gandhi’s long term vision for a stronger India our country is benefitted by the computers and mobile phones. Kicking off the second phase of Congress’ Campaign in the run up to the upcoming assembly polls in the state Rahul Gandhi promised that the Congress government will lead Uttar Pradesh back to the top position again.
“You know all the Congress ruled states have been progressing ahead because we do frame policies with long term vision. You can see that states like Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Delhi and Rajasthan all are surging ahead. But your leaders think for only short-term benefits. That is the reason behind the bad state of affairs in U.P. All the central funds sanctioned under MGNREGA or Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY) are all being looted here”, he alleged.
Recalling the amazing contributions of his late father and former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, Rahul continued “It was in 1980, Rajiv Gandhi introduced computers in our country. Today we are availing the benefits. Further it was in 1985 mobile phones were introduced and you know how beneficial it is for the people. So it is because of the policies with a long-term gain is the main pillar for success”.

Rahul Gandhi: Whenever there is a change, initially people make fun of it but finally they acceept

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Congress General Secretary Rahul Gandhi today inaugurated the Youth Congress Convention in Rohini, Delhi. While addressing a massive rally of newly-elected office-bearers of the Youth Congress Rahul Gandhi urged the youth of the country to work together and cleanse the political system in the country.
“Corruption is most rampant in the political parties in our country. So this political system is to be cleansed and changed. Only the youth of the country can do so. So be ready, work together, change the system” said the Congress General Secretary in-charge of the Youth Congress and NSUI. The two day convention called “Buniyaad’ is the first of its kind in the history of the Youth Congress and is being attended by 8,000-odd elected members from across the country.
"All other parties follow the process of nomination. But the Youth Congress reflects voices that are democratically elected. Not Rahuljee or any other senior leaders selected you, you are here on the basis of your own merit, strength and capacity. Wherever I travel, I see how you are helping change the attitude" said Rahul Gandhi amidst great applauds. “India's youth must help usher in change", he added.
The Congress General Secretary appreciated the efforts to strengthen democracy in the Youth Congress. “During my initial interactions with the friends of Youth Congress, they complained that their voices go unheard in the organization”. “So we started the process of democratization in the Youth Congress (YC). We started it from Punjab and have now implemented in most of other states. Whenever there is a change initially people make fun of it, then they watch and finally they change themselves”, he claimed.
Boosting the confidence of the Youth Congress workers Rahul Gandhi added “If you have faith and confidence in yourself, nobody can stop you from reaching the top. If you continue to work hard for YC and the Congress you can reach miles ahead.”
Rahul Gandhi also appraised the YC members regarding the democratic elections in the outfit. “We ensured that the elections in the Youth Congress are free and fair. We adopted a method similar to the method adopted by the Election Commission of India. Even opposition parties admit that election in the YC is free and fair.”
Reiterating the need of involvement of the youth in politics the Congress General Secretary added “Previously the doors of the politics were closed for the youth. Members came to politics through nominations and recommendations and not on merit. Such leaders were not able to perform satisfactorily and they lacked contact with the masses.” and asked the emerging leaders to work for the cause of common man. “You are not like that. So go to the people, take out people’s issues, talk to them and mingle with them. Poverty is a serious matter of concern. India cannot be shinning till the day there is no poor person in the country. So fight for the poor, fight for aam aadmi”, he urged.
Rahul Gandhi also underlined the role of senior leaders and said “The youth cannot work alone. Do not think that you are the bonded labourers of the party. Seniors are there to guide you and work with you. We need to blend experience with the youth”.
Pouring more positive energy into the young members Rahul Gandhi added “I want to tell the youth that our system is open for all. Our election is free and fair. So please join Youth Congress and fight for the progress of the country”.
Exuding confidence among the cadres he went on saying “We have full faith in you. So get ready to fight against corruption. Go to villages and try to know their issues. change the system by fighting for the poor”.
Taking a dig at other parties he commented “In other parties, senior leaders command and junior leaders obey. But in the Congress all members come to the party on their ability and strength. Not one of you has come from the sky through a parachute. You know what I mean by that”.
“So, all of you have come on your own strength. Now let us work together and change the country” concluded Rahul Gandhi.
The convention will also be addressed by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Congress President Sonia Gandhi during the valedictory session on Tuesday.

Rahul Gandhi in Balrampur, Uttar Pradesh final part_3

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On the second day of his UP tour Congress General Secretary Rahul Gandhi took on the Mayawati- led BSP Government in the state. Addressing a Congress workers’ meet at Nanpara, Rahul Gandhi argued that the UP Government has been looting the Central welfare funds meant for the poor.
Questioning Mayawati’s ambiguous stand vis-à-vis MGNREGA Rahul Gandhi wondered, “UP Chief Minister has been saying that MGNREGA is not a useful scheme for the state. But yesterday, she claimed that she never said that MGNREGA is of no use. However, in October 2007 Mayawati during a rally in Lucknow had said that state of Uttar Pradesh will not be benefitted from the scheme. You can check the newspaper records for that. In my opinion Mayawati is wrong. Every poor person in this country will benefit from this employment guarantee scheme. ”

Rahul Gandhi in Balrampur, Uttar Pradesh final part_2

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On the second day of his UP tour Congress General Secretary Rahul Gandhi took on the Mayawati- led BSP Government in the state. Addressing a Congress workers’ meet at Nanpara, Rahul Gandhi argued that the UP Government has been looting the Central welfare funds meant for the poor.
Underlining the significance of the MGNREGA scheme Rahul Gandhi said, “By the MGNREGA policy every poor person is assured of a minimum of 100 days jobs in a year with a daily wage of Rs120. Ask anybody in Andhra Pradesh or Kerala about the most beneficial scheme of the Central Government. Without any doubts most will say it is MGNREGA. It is not just a claim. The records are available on the internet anybody can check the fact about the benefits of the policy.”

Rahul Gandhi in Balrampur, Uttar Pradesh final part_1

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On the second day of his UP tour Congress General Secretary Rahul Gandhi took on the Mayawati- led BSP Government in the state. Addressing a Congress workers’ meet at Nanpara, Rahul Gandhi argued that the UP Government has been looting the Central welfare funds meant for the poor.
Referring the UPA Government policies Congress General Secretary said that the Congress-led Union Government is framing policies for the benefit of poor. Implementing schemes like MGNREGA, Janani Suraksha Yojana, Sarva Siksha Abhiyan, Right to Education etc for the betterment of everybody still the people of UP are denied of the benefits.

Rahul Gandhi in Pachperwa, Balrampur, U.P.

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On the third day of his tour to Uttar Pradesh Congress General Secretary Rahul Gandhi reiterated that he will continue with the bait of going to the people to know their problems. He was addressing a rally at Pachperwa in Balrampur, Uttar Pradesh as a part of the Congress campaign for the upcoming assembly polls.
"Every time whenever I mingle with the poor, visit their houses and share meals with them, some senior leaders while sitting inside TV studios mock at me. They call such things a drama of Rahul Gandhi," he told a gathering. "If mixing with the people to understand their problems and issues is a drama, I will continue with this drama throughout my life. I will go to their houses. I will eat their food. I will drink water from their well. I may fall sick; no problem. But I will not stop this" said Rahul Gandhi amidst loud applauds.
Appreciating the performance of the Congress Governments Congress General Secretary said, “The UPA Government at the centre has been working for the benefits of the common man, poor, dalit, adivasis and underprivileged. All the Congress led Governments at various places like Andhra Pradesh, Kerala and Delhi continue with efforts of serving the common man. We made policies like MGNREGA, Sarva Siksha Abhiyan and Janani Suraksha Yojana for the benefits of the poor in the country”. He then added “By the MGNREGA policy every poor person is assured of a minimum of 100 days jobs in a year with a daily wage of Rs120. We sanctioned amounts under this scheme to Uttar Pradesh also. Day before yesterday only we sanctioned a huge fund for the state. We sanctioned Rs. 3000/- crore funds for Bundelkhand too. But the amount does not reach you” and urged “In Uttar Pradesh also you should bring in a Government which listens to you.”
Rahul Gandhi also expressed his concern over the pathetic conditions in the hospitals in the state. “I went to a hospital in UP where some painting and renovation works were going on. I went inside. There were no doctors, patients or nurses. Dogs were scampering inside. I asked them what is going on. They said that Mayawati is on a tour to this area and she will be visiting the hospital and therefore the renovation. As she was expected to take the road route so the roads were being repaired and the hospital building was being painted,” he said. He advised Mayawati to go to the people and listen to their grievances.

Rahul Gandhi at Nanpara, U.P says that Congress always worked for the poor

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On the second day of his UP tour Congress General Secretary Rahul Gandhi took on the Mayawati- led BSP Government in the state. Addressing a Congress workers’ meet at Nanpara, Rahul Gandhi argued that the UP Government has been looting the Central welfare funds meant for the poor.
Referring the UPA Government policies Congress General Secretary said that the Congress-led Union Government is framing policies for the benefit of poor. Implementing schemes like MGNREGA, Janani Suraksha Yojana, Sarva Siksha Abhiyan, Right to Education etc for the betterment of everybody still the people of UP are denied of the benefits.

Rahul Gandhi at Nanpara, U.P talks about the misuse of Janani Suraksha Yojana

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On the second day of his UP tour Congress General Secretary Rahul Gandhi took on the Mayawati- led BSP Government in the state. Addressing a Congress workers’ meet at Nanpara, Rahul Gandhi argued that the UP Government has been looting the Central welfare funds meant for the poor.
Adding further he said, “last time we had sanctioned Rs 5,000 crore under MGNREGA to the UP Government and yesterday we again sanctioned Rs 12,000 crore. But the sad part is that this amount does not reach the common man in the state. When I asked the people of UP they said that the MGNREGA policy is good but the benefits do not reach them. This is quite sad as this money does not belong to the central government or the state Government or the ministers it is your money. Still you are denied of it.”

Rahul Gandhi at Nanpara, U.P challenges Mayawati’s stand on MGNREGA

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On the second day of his UP tour Congress General Secretary Rahul Gandhi took on the Mayawati- led BSP Government in the state. Addressing a Congress workers’ meet at Nanpara, Rahul Gandhi argued that the UP Government has been looting the Central welfare funds meant for the poor.
Questioning Mayawati’s ambiguous stand vis-à-vis MGNREGA Rahul Gandhi wondered, “UP Chief Minister has been saying that MGNREGA is not a useful scheme for the state. But yesterday, she claimed that she never said that MGNREGA is of no use. However, in October 2007 Mayawati during a rally in Lucknow had said that state of Uttar Pradesh will not be benefitted from the scheme. You can check the newspaper records for that. In my opinion Mayawati is wrong. Every poor person in this country will benefit from this employment guarantee scheme. ”

Rahul Gandhi at Nanpara “Mayawati said that MGNREGA is of no use in U.P”

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On the second day of his UP tour Congress General Secretary Rahul Gandhi took on the Mayawati- led BSP Government in the state. Addressing a Congress workers’ meet at Nanpara, Rahul Gandhi argued that the UP Government has been looting the Central welfare funds meant for the poor.
Underlining the significance of the MGNREGA scheme Rahul Gandhi said, “By the MGNREGA policy every poor person is assured of a minimum of 100 days jobs in a year with a daily wage of Rs120. Ask anybody in Andhra Pradesh or Kerala about the most beneficial scheme of the Central Government. Without any doubts most will say it is MGNREGA. It is not just a claim. The records are available on the internet anybody can check the fact about the benefits of the policy.”

Rahul Gandhi at Gaind Ghar Ground ,Bahraich (U.P) Part-2

Addressing a Congress workers’ meet at Gaind Ghar Ground, Bahraich on the second day of his UP tour AICC General Secretary Rahul Gandhi lashed out at the Mayawati Government. He said that the BSP Government has been misusing all the welfare schemes brought in by the Central Government meant for the poor.
Speaking to the Congress workers assembled in large numbers Rahul Gandhi said, “my family has a good relationship with Behrauch. It was from here Rajiv Gandhi made the historic announcement to reduce the age limit to vote from 21 to 18.” He also said that he learnt the habit of going to the villages and meeting the people from his grand mother and former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.
Referring the UPA Government policies Congress General Secretary added, “While campaigning for the Parliament elections in 2004 Congress has promised to form a government that would work for the common man. We had promised a government that works for the poor, dalits and adivasis. With the implementation of schemes like MGNREGA, Janani Suraksha Yojana, Sarva Siksha Abhiyan and Right to Education all aiming the benefit of the poor we have indeed delivered.” Underlining the significance of the MGNREGA scheme, Rahul Gandhi said, “by the MGNREGA policy poor persons are assured of a minimum of 100 days jobs in a year with a daily wage of Rs120. Ask anybody in Andhra Pradesh or Kerala about the most beneficial scheme of the Central Government. Without any doubts most will say it is MGNREGA.”

Expressing concerns over the misuse of MGNREGA funds by the BSP Government Rahul Gandhi commented, “we do sanction funds under this scheme to the UP Government as well. Whatever amount the Uttar Pradesh Government demanded from the Centre we sanctioned it. Whether it is Rs 10 or Rs 10 lakh we sent it. But actually what is happening? Your Chief Minister says that MGNREGA is of no use. When all other states are admitting that MGNREGA is the most useful policy and many poor people make the job cards and enjoy the benefit of the scheme, BSP Government says that the scheme is of no use. I remember in October 2007 too Chief Minister Mayawati during a rally had repeated that the MGNREGA is not beneficial. In fact the funds sent by the Centre pocketed by the ministers."

Rahul Gandhi in Barabanki, Uttar Pradesh Part-2

Regarding the relief package for the Weavers, Rahul Gandhi said “some of the delegates of the Bunkars came to me and said that if the scheme is implemented through the state run Society, the money will not reach them. So we changed the policy and made such a scheme that the money would directly reach the Bunkar’s bank account. We also introduced a credit card for them. Further Rs. 3000 cr worth interest is waived off.” Referring the inefficient state Government, Congress General Secretary said “the Central Government is forced to deposit the amount directly to the individual account because of the inability of the state Government. UPA Government is ready to do more work for the poor, but U.P Government will not help those schemes to reach you. Unless you do not change the state Government, you cannot change your future. If the Government of Uttar Pradesh is changed, the entire U.P will change, the entire picture of U.P will be different.”
“Today India has got enough funds. The problem is that it is not reaching the common man. Now we are introducing a UID card” said Rahul Gandhi elaborating the benefits of the UID card scheme. “Now people have different cards issued by different authorities. Through the UID card scheme, every citizen will have a single card like your ration card, NREGA job card etc. Every person will be having a unique card with a unique number which will include all the details of the person. So when the Centre sends any amount it will directly go to his bank account. “
“For the past 20 years, the funds meant for the development of the state do not reach you. The money is being pocketed by the ministers, bureaucrats and politicians. We want the money meant for you should reach you directly. Our Government will ensure the same. And a Congress Government will be a Government for the poor and will work for the common man’s cause and will not be working for any particular caste or religion” he added. Rahul Gandhi also assured “we will bring back the glory in Uttar Pradesh. We will bring the state back on track”.
“Today if U.P wants to bring any progress in the fields of IT, it is not able to do. Bangalore has become the IT hub now. If U.P wants to progress in the field of Industry, it is not able to do so because Tamil Nadu has become the prime centre for the industry. Uttar Pradesh is going backwards. If you and your state are not developing, you will have to go to other places like Maharashtra, Punjab and Delhi and you have been doing so. We need better development and infrastructure. We need roads, electricity and sufficient water. We will do it for you” assured Rahul Gandhi. “In the next ten years, we will bring U.P to the forefront of development. The country is looking towards Andhra Pradesh, Delhi and Maharashtra but is not looking towards Uttar Pradesh. We should change this. SP and BSP did a lot of talks but you know what they did in the past 20 years. They will continue their anti-poor policies if they get power again” warned Rahul Gandhi. “You go to Kerala, Assam or Delhi and experience the developments there. We will together change Uttar Pradesh. I am sure that the Congress will win the next elections. We will work together, fight together for a better Uttar Pradesh” said Rahul Gandhi concluding his speech.

Rahul Gandhi in barabanki, uttar Pradesh Part-1

AICC General Secretary Rahul Gandhi began his five-day tour of Uttar Pradesh on Tuesday from Barabanki. He reached Lucknow Airport in the morning and went directly to Barabanki. He lashed out at the BSP Government in Uttar Pradesh and said that the Welfare funds sent by the UPA Government at the centre are not reaching the poor man. Rahul Gandhi also underlined the importance of the UID card, the relief packages for the weavers and MGNREGA.
“The state of Uttar Pradesh has a good family relation with my family. I came to Barabanki during the last elections, and you elected a Congress candidate from here. I am thankful for the same. Some people say that all other parties are strong but Congress is not having adequate funds. But the real strong party is the one which works honestly. The strength is not acquired through money but through the people” said the Congress General Secretary. He further added “the Governments of BJP, BSP and SP were anti-poor. They did nothing for the benefit of the poor people. But Congress is a party which is committed to work for the poor. Congress wants to install a pro-poor, pro-people Government in Uttar Pradesh. Congress cannot win the elections if the Congress workers do not work in full strength as the sincere cadres of the party is the strength of Congress. And I am confident that they will work hard for the success of the party.”
Regarding various welfare schemes implemented by the Congress-led UPA Government at the centre, Rahul Gandhi said “From 2004, The UPA is in power at the centre. UPA Government keeps sending money to all the states and it sends huge amount for the state of Uttar Pradesh too for its development. We are ready to send more. But it doesn’t reach you.” We made good schemes like MGNREGA and sanctioned huge amounts to ensure jobs to all. But is it reaching you? Where is the fund going? He asked adding “It goes to middlemen, ministers, politicians and bureaucrats. Your Chief Minister says that there is no need for MGNREGA. You go to any place across the country. Everyone says about the benefits of MGNREGA. But your Chief Minister does not need that. Ministers and contractors are being benefitted in Uttar Pradesh.”
Referring JSY scheme Rahul Gandhi said “you must have heard about Janansi Suraksha Yojana (JSY). But the scheme meant for the benefit of the poor women is also being misused in Uttar Pradesh. The money meant for the poor women do not reach them. There are reported cases that there are women who deliver baby every week! The money which actually should have reached the poor women is not reaching them. Same is the case with the loan waiver schemes for the farmers. It is your future and the future of the common man. The Chief Minister, bureaucrats or ministers do not lose any, but it is the common man who is the real loser.”