Sonia Gandhi’s Speech

Sonia Gandhi in Sikar, Rajasthan: BJP cannot win hearts of people by

spreading lies

Congress President and UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi addressed a huge election rally in Sikar

at poll bound Rajasthan on Wednesday and launched a blistering attack on BJP for misleading

people and spreading lies about the state government. She attributed the credit of the rise of

Rajasthan as one of the most developed states of India to Ashok-Gehlot-led Congress

government in the state

I salute this brave land of Shekhawati as this region gives maximum number of soldiers who

fight to protect our country at our borders. The beautiful paintings, which can be seen at various

Hawelis across the country, tell us colourful stories of our mythology and also attract the

attention of people outside India too.

Sikar is a symbol of social and communal harmony where people live by helping and loving each

other. Congress also believes in the same principles. Many of our leaders sacrificed their lives

for communal harmony and national integration. The people here understand the virtues of

politics, values of development. They also know that only Congress is committed for inclusive

growth.

Farmers are an integral part of our country. They shed their blood and sweat for us. We,

therefore, waived off the loans of the poor farmers when we realised that they were in trouble.

We also increased the MSP for their crops to a record high. Most importantly, we implemented

Land Acquisition Bill so that the lands of poor farmers will not be acquired forcibly. This bill

ensures that consent of the land owners is a must before acquiring any land and adequate

compensation is also ensured.

Congress’ vision is upliftment of common man. We want to eradicate poverty and we want

equality. The UPA Government at the Centre, under the leadership of Prime Minister Dr

Manmohan Singh, has given path breaking rights to the people so that they can have a feeling of

involvement and participation in nation building.

The Right to Education Act implemented by us provides free education to all children in the age

group of 6 to 14. The right to job scheme – Mahatma Gandhi NREGA, guarantees a minimum of

100 days jobs for the rural poor. I am happy to note that the Rajasthan government has increased

it to 150 days. We ensured the rights of the Adivasis in their lands in the forests by the Right to

Forest Act. To empower the women in our country, we granted 50% reservation for women in

Panchayats and also provide financial helps at cheaper interest rates to them through Self Help

Groups (SHG). We know that there is hunger and malnutrition at many places in our country

and to ensure that no one lives hungry we implemented Food Security Bill by which every poor

will be legally entitled to get food grains at cheaper prices. More than 80 crore of our brothers

and sisters will get food at nominal rates under this act.

The Central government also sends huge amounts of funds under various schemes to every state

without any discrimination. We also sent funds to Rajasthan and I am proud to tell that the

Congress government here effectively and properly utilized all those money benefitting its

people.

Today, Rajasthan is counted among states where social security is high. Rajasthan was backward

at the time of independence but as of now it is one of the most progressive states in the country.

Major credit for this achievement goes to the Congress party. The Congress government here

initiated various welfare schemes for the common people. Various schemes and policies were

launched for the farmers. Rajasthan has an agriculture University now. The state government

also started a scheme to distribute free medicine for animals.

You will agree that availing adequate medical care facilities is a huge task nowadays. Poor

people suffer a lot due to this and on many occasions they are forced to take loans for treatment

or other day-to-day activities. In many cases, the burden of debts haunts them lifelong. The

Congress government has therefore implemented a historic free-medicine scheme in Rajasthan

so that every citizen in the state can avail free medicine and treatment in government hospitals.

The amount of pension has been increased for the first time and lots of old aged persons and

widows are gaining from it. Women have to pay only 30% of the charges to travel by bus here.

Janani Sishu Suraksha Yojana has been introduced here to ensure better treatment for pregnant

women. The government also launched Sabka Adhikar Yojana to provide permanent houses for

the people below BPL. These are only some of the examples of the Congress government in the

state and also testimony for the commitment of the Congress governments in Rajasthan as well

as at the Centre.

Despite all these revolutionary achievements, there are some parties who level baseless

allegations against us and our leaders. They spread rumours against our government, level false

charges against our policies and also make fun of our path breaking schemes. When these parties

come to you seeking for your votes, you must ask them where were they in the past five years.

You also ask them what such programmes they had made for the benefits of the people, when

they were ruling the state. Did they ever provide free medicines for the people? Did they ever

bother about hunger? Were they concerned for the farmers? No; They (BJP) were never bothered

about the poor people and aam aadmi.

They (BJP leaders) just deliver big speeches. They just mislead the people. They are selfish and

hungry for power.

You are wise, vigilant and understand the reality. I request you to do a comparison between

Congress and the opposition. You also please analyse what Congress has done for the country

and the state and examine what the opposition has given you... I am confident, that you will

know the truth if you do a proper study on our activities.

They may win the elections by misleading people and spreading lies, but cannot win the hearts of

the people. One must work with commitment and dedication for that. The UPA government and

the Congress Government in the state have worked with sincerity for the welfare and upliftment

of the people and I therefore request all of you to ensure each and every single vote in favour of

Congress party.

You can trust Congress and we will never betray you. This is our promise and this has been our

vision.

Thank you.

Jai Hind.

Sonia Gandhi in Shastri Park(Delhi ) Congress President and UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi addressed a huge rally at poll bound

Delhi. While speaking on the occasion at Shastri Park said that opposition and few others haven’t

spared Mahatama Gandhi and Pandit Jawahar Lal Nehru from criticism and harsh words.

Delhi has an important role in Indian history. And every place and particle here have its bright

reflection. I am too a resident of Delhi like you. We all are witnesses of changes and

development which took place in last 15 years and we are proud of that. There is no proof

needed for it. When someone wraps the cloth around his eyes, knowingly, no one can help that.

Can’t help it.

Opposition always have been trying to damage the image of Congress party and its leaders since

Independence. I ask senior opposition leaders why they criticize Mahatama Gandhi who is father

of the Nation. They criticized Pt. Jawahar Lal Nehru but it is because of him we have a strong

democracy now due to his fore-sight and dedication. He had initiated a scientific development.

But some people didn’t like this and even criticized him despite of this; he was the ‘Jawahar’

(pearl) in the hearts of many people. Opposition not even left Mrs. Indira Gandhi for that matter.

The amount of love and affection she had for the poor and downtrodden and the amount of

struggle and fight she had done for these people are unmatchful.

Indira Gandhi had fought for Nation’s respect and pride and made sure no one can harm our

honour. But despite of that some people criticized her too.

Rajiv Gandhi ji and Indira Gandhi ji sacrificed their lives for the country’s integrity.

Obviously those who didn’t spare the Father of Nation, Indira ji and Gandhi ji from their harsh

words, why would they leave Dr. Manmohan Singh ji, Sheila ji, and our government.

You hear out huge promises and big speeches by many people now at this moment of elections.

They try to woo voters on false promises.

I would like to ask after we had formed a government under the leadership of Mrs. Sheila Dikshit

in Delhi years back and from that time hasn’t the face of Delhi changed? Delhi developed

rapidly.

People had said that Metro would not be successful in Delhi but Metro has become the lifeline

for Delhi commuters. Now Delhi metro is famous in all over the world. People reach their

destinations on time.

The conditions of roads are enhanced, there are beautiful bus-stops, hospitals, government

schools, 5 universities on state level, Women technical university and that’s not all, many

progressive steps have taken for the betterment for poor, downtrodden and for women as well.

This has been the history of Congress and you people are aware of this. What opposition have

done for the country and what Congress has been doing for the development of Delhi? You can

compare.

Yes opposition can indulge in creating illusions but they can’t win the heart of people without

the dedication, commitment and a mentality to serve the country.

We have served you from our heart and I request you to make our candidates win by big margin

because you can trust only the Congress.

Thank you. Jai hind

Sonia Gandhi at Dungarpur (Rajasthan)

Congress President and UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi addressed a huge election rally in

Dungarpur at poll bound Rajasthan and showered praises on Ashok Gehlot- led Congress govt in

the state for its various schemes and programmes aimed at welfare and upliftment of the

common people in the state. She also took the BJP by saying that it is blind and hungry for

power.

“Everyone is convinced about the rapid development taking place in Rajasthan, except the BJP.

It sees no development in Rajasthan and levels baseless allegations against us. They are just

hungry for power and are not bothered about the poor. We are not among those who keep on

spreading lies and making false claims. The BJP has been doing this since long. They are

experts in spreading lies and false charges” said Sonia Gandhi

Last time I was here to launch a railway project and today I have come to speak to you on the

occasion of assembly elections. I am proud for that fact that you always have given your warm

love and affection to the Congress party and I am confident that this relationship will continue in

the future too.

With your support and co-operation, the Congress government has transformed Rajasthan to a

progressive state. Congress is always committed for the welfare of the people and development

of the country. The UPA Government at the centre, under the leader ship of Prime Minister Dr.

Manmohan Singh, has launched several schemes and policies aimed at inclusive growth. We

have given priority for the upliftment of the backward classes and underprivileged.

I know people of Adivasi and Tribal communities have assembled here in large numbers. I want

to assure them that Congress government have always gives priority for their upliftment and

welfare. UPA government at the Centre realises that the only hope and wealth of Adivasis is the

forest and its crops. We, therefore, enacted right to forest act to protect their interests and to

ensure their rights in forest lands and its crops. Under this law, more than 25000 Adivasi families

could avail benefits in Rajasthan. The Congress government here has launched several schemes

for the welfare of SC/ STs and also have initiated various programmes to tackle malnutrition and

various diseases among them. Not only Adivasis, the Congress government takes care of all

other back ward communities also in the state. As most of you are aware, education is the key to

development. That is why we have opened a central university here so that your children could

get better education to have a bright career.

The UPA Government at the Centre enacted historic land mark legislation – the new Land

Acquisition Bill which prevents any forceful land grabbing of Adivasi lands without their

consent and after giving proper compensation. To make sure that no one lives hungry in our

country and also to free people from the menace of malnutrition, we implemented Food Security

Bill.

Rajasthan has been progressing rapidly. It has now an oil refinery at Barmer, Rail coach factory

at Mewar and new rail project has been initiated at south Rajasthan’s adivasi dominated region.

The effort to solve the issue of water scarcity is in progress. To tackle the serious drinking water

issues in Mewar, a project to take water from River Chambal to that region has already been

launched. Rajasthan has become the first state to ensure social security to its entire people.

I feel very happy that the Rajasthan government effectively utilized all the central funds sent

under various schemes and the people here could avail its benefits.

We know that empowerment of women is utmost necessary for development and the UPA

Government has initiated several schemes in this direction. Self Help Group movement

launched by us is helping the women in our country to become self reliant. We have assured

steps for women empowerment during our Jaipur Sammelan and we have already started

launching them, one of such scheme - a health care scheme- has recently been launched at

Maharashtra.

I feel happy to note that the Rajasthan government also have given priority for women

empowerment and I appreciate it for various schemes and programmes to achieve it. Rajasthan

has implemented Janani Suraksha Yojana in a commendable manner and about 25 lakh of

women and 5 lakh infants availed its benefit. I also congratulate the Congress Government here

for its Chief Minister’s Shubh Lakshmi programme aimed at helping the girl child. The

Congress government in Rajasthan under the leadership of Sh. Ashok Gehlot has initiated several

such pro-poor welfare schemes, which has set an example for others.

I want to specially appreciate the free-medicine-distribution scheme for the poor implemented by

the Gehlot government in Rajasthan, by which everyone can avail free medicine and treatment

facilities at government hospitals in the state.

Everyone is convinced about the rapid development taking place in Rajasthan, except the BJP. It

sees no development in Rajasthan and levels baseless allegations against us. They are just hungry

for power and are not bothered about the poor. We are not among those who keep on spreading

lies and making false claims. The BJP has been doing this since long. They are experts in

spreading lies and false charges.

Let them do whatever they feel like. Let them abuse us, but we will continue our good work for

the mankind. We will continue to work for Rajasthan’s development and for making the lives of

its people better and brighter. I want to assure you that we will fulfil all the promised made in our

election manifesto, honestly and with commitment.

I, therefore, appeal to all of you to ensure each and every single vote in favour of Congress so

that Rajasthan will have a Congress government yet again.

Thank you.

Jai Hind.

Sonia Gandhi at Kota (Rajasthan)

Congress President and UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi addressed a huge election rally in Kota

at poll bound Rajasthan. She lauded the efforts taken by the Ashok Gehlot- led Congress govt in

the state for the welfare and upliftment of the people in the state and also launched a blistering

attack on BJP for levelling baseless charges against the state government.

I am happy and proud to be here in this modern industrial city of Kota. When we achieved

independence, Rajasthan was nowhere in the industrial map, but today it has become one of the

favourable investment destinations in the country. It has now become one of the most

progressive states and the major credit for this achievement goes to the Congress government in

Rajasthan.

Because of the effective implementation of the Central schemes for education, Rajasthan has

been becoming an education hub, with Kota having an important role to play. The Congress

government has established institutions like AIIMs in Jodhpur, IIM in Udaipur, Central

University at Ajmer and IIIT at Kota.

The Congress government in Rajasthan under the leadership of Sh. Ashok Gehlot has initiated

several pro-poor welfare schemes, which has set an example for others. We all are aware that,

providing effective treatment facilities, especially for the poor, is one of the major challenges.

The poor people are not having sufficient resources to meet the health care expenses. Many poor

people face problems in getting their daughters married; providing proper education to their

children and on many occasions they are forced to take loan to meet the daily expenses and

spend their life time in repaying the debts. Our efforts have been to tackle these issues being

faced by the poor people.

I want to specially appreciate the free-medicine-distribution scheme for the poor implemented by

the Gehlot government in Rajasthan, by which everyone can avail free medicine and treatment

facilities at government hospitals in the state. Under its food security scheme, food grains at the

rate of Rs. 1/- per kg are available for the persons below BPL. I also specially mention the old

age and widow pension scheme launched by the Congress government here. For the first time in

its history, the state govt increased the pension amount and ensured that every old aged person

does get it. The Gehlot govt also has begun a scheme with the cooperation of HUDCO to provide

permanent housing for the people below BPL. Every family in the state feel socially secured now

due to the various welfare measures taken by the Congress government.

The UPA Government at the centre too, under the leader ship of Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan

Singh, has launched several schemes and policies aimed at welfare and empowerment of the

people of every section. We implemented Mahatma Gandhi NREGA to guarantee a minimum of

100 days jobs for the rural poor and also to curb migration. We granted rights to education to all

children in the age group of 6 to 14. We enacted Right to Information Act to eradicate corruption

and using this powerful tool, any citizen can gather any information regarding government

functioning. To make sure that no one lives hungry in our country and also to free people from

the menace of malnutrition, we implemented Food Security Bill. To prevent any forceful land

grabbing and to help the poor people to get proper compensation for the lands acquired, we

introduced Land Acquisition bill. Self Help Group movement launched by us is helping the

women in our country to become self reliant. We realise the strength of the farmers as well as

their difficulties. We therefore increased the MSP in crops for their benefits. We also initiated

several other measures to protect the rights of Dalits, Adivasis, minorities and other backwards.

We also have started many insurance and pension schemes for the unorganised workers.

I feel very happy that the Rajasthan government effectively utilized all the central funds sent

under various schemes and the people here could avail its benefits. Everyone is convinced about

the rapid development taking place in Rajasthan, except the BJP. It sees no development in

Rajasthan and levels baseless allegations against us. The BJP even alleges that the free medicines

being distributed to the poor in Rajasthan, contains poison.

The poison is not in the medicines but in the mindset of the BJP, which is busy in attacking us.

They are just greed for power and are not bothered about the poor. If they were really concerned

for the people, why did not they launch any landmark schemes like brought in by us, for the

benefits of the poor?

We are not among those who keep on spreading lies and making false claims. The BJP has been

doing this since long. Let them do whatever they feel like. Let them abuse us, but we will

continue our good work for the mankind. We will continue to work for Rajasthan’s

development and for making the lives of its people better and brighter. I want to assure you that

we will fulfil all the promised made in our election manifesto, honestly and with commitment.

I, therefore, appeal to all of you to ensure each and every single vote in favour of Congress so

that Rajasthan will have a Congress government yet again.

Thank you.

Sonia Gandhi at Jhabua (MP)

Meghnagar, Jhabua : Congress President and UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi addressed a huge

election rally at Meghnagar in Jhabua district of poll bound Madhya Pradesh on Thursday

UPA Govt implemented Mahatma Gandhi NREGA to guarantee jobs to the rural poor and also

to curb migration. But did the people of Madhya Pradesh get any benefits? No, because the state

Government misused it and issued fraud job cards The jobs which should have gone to the rural

poor were taken up by the contractors.

Similarly, to ensure health care facilities for the rural people, UPA Government implemented

National Rural Health Mission (NRHM). But that too is not being implemented here properly

and as a result the poor did not get adequate medical facilities. With an aim to ensure proper

education to the poor children, UPA launched Sarva Siksha Abhiyan (SSA) but again, the people

of Madhya Pradesh could not avail its benefits due to the misrule of the BJP government here.

How can you claim any gain in this state where about 21000 schools run with only a single

teacher!

We realise that the wealth of Adivasis and Tribals is their forest and its crops. That is why

implemented the Right to Forest Act to protect their rights in lands and forest crops. But did the

tribals and Adivasis here get any benefits? No.

We realise the strength of the women and also know the efforts they put in for development. To

make them self reliant we granted 50% reservation for women in Panchayats. We also increased

the wages of Anganwadi workers. We also initiated various other schemes for women

empowerment.

Further, we keep sending huge funds to Madhya Pradesh, under various central schemes, but

where did these funds go? The BJP leaders just looted it. The BJP government here did not use

those central funds for the people’s benefit. It is the responsibility of the Central government to

all financial and administrative assistance to every state without any discrimination and it is the

duty of every state to use those funds effectively to improve the livelihood of its people. The

Centre is not sending funds to be robbed by the state government or by a selected few close to it.

This is what happens under BJP rule. They just loot the Central funds. UPA Government

enacted RTI, which is a powerful tool to tackle corruption. Any citizen is legally empowered to

gather any information regarding government functioning. Several high profile people were sent

to jail and several others had to quit. But what is happening here? There are corruption

allegations against several BJP ministers before Lokayukta in Madhya Pradesh and I want to ask

BJP what action did the BJP government take against those culprits?

There is huge difference between what BJP preaches and how do they act. Their words and

deeds never match. BJP leaders make big claims regarding development in MP but you must ask

what progress they are talking about? The farmers are not able to get seeds and fertilizers in time.

There is no sufficient electricity for irrigation.

If there is development why malnutrition is so high here? Why farmers here are forced to

commit suicide? Why atrocities and crimes against women are still increasing here? The law and

order situation is so worse that the people here live in fear. Is this the way a government must

function?

Only those people who have a noble heart and pure mind can work for development. Anyone

who spreads divisive ideology or power-hungry cannot build a nation. How can people who pit

one against another develop our country? Nation building is not possible by those who try to

create rifts between communities.

Nation building is possible only by those who has commitment, dedication, ready to sacrifice and

has a vision for development. Congress has a history of sacrifice and commitment. If Congress

gets a chance to rule in Madhya Pradesh, we will fast-track the development process here.

BJP does make lots of promises but delivers nothing. That has been their habit. But we will fulfil

all our promises made in our election manifesto with honest and sincerity. We will waive off the

loan of the poor farmers. We will have free electricity schemes for the poor. MSP will be fixed

for forest crops. We will ensure the rights of the tribals/ adivasis in their lands and crops in the

forests. We will give back the rights in lands to those whose lands were forcibly snatched by the

BJP government. We will provide free treatment facilities in all government hospitals. We will

fill up the vacant teachers’ posts in all the schools in adivasi-dominant areas.

We will not give any false promises. What all we promise, we will deliver. I, therefore, request

all of you to ensure each and every single vote in favour of Congress so that we can have a

Congress government here in Madhya Pradesh to bring back lost glory of the state.

Thank you.

Jai Hind.

Sonia Gandhi at Bharatiya Mahila Bank inauguration

Prime minister Dr. Manmohan Singh inaugurated the nation's first all-women bank – the

Bharatiya Mahila Bank (BMB)- in Mumbai on Tuesday in the presence of Congress president

and UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi, on the birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Indira

Gandhi. Sonia Gandhi said that this was an appropriate tribute to the memory of Indira Gandhi

on her birth anniversary. The Congress President also distributed the bank-kits to the first five

account holders of the new bank

Today we observe the birth anniversary of Indira Gandhi. There have been many events to

commemorate today but nothing would be more appropriate tribute to her life and work than the

inauguration of the Bharatiya Mahila Bank which aims to provide financial services to the

women in general and women Self Help Group (SHG) in particular.

All though her life Indira Gandhi was guided by a passionate commitment to her country and the

people and was fearless in defending their interest. She was dedicated to the secular, egalitarian

and democratic values which guided her as an individual and remained the back-throb of her

governance and policy. She had a deep concern for the weaker, the poor, the minorities and was

acutely sensitive to women issues. The empowerment of women was an important goal that she

set for herself and for her government. Her own life was a testimony on what could be achieved

by women empowerment and I am very happy that the motto of the new bank is ‘empowering

women, empowering India”.

I hope that this bank will emerge as a catalyst for ensuring greater gender justice and equality. I

think it is laudable that the bank has cleared a women-run business; predominantly, employ

women and address gender related aspects of empowerment and financial inclusiveness. Of

course, it is entirely appropriate that its chairperson is a women as well as being a distinguished

banker and as Chidambaram ji had said, the bank will have all-women-director board.

Of course, there are much works to be done. I understand that only a small proportion of loan

comes in public sector bank in the names of women and the credits extended to them is roughly

7.3% of the total. Although as many as five public sector banks are there, only one fifth of the

bank employees are women. Surely there are social and cultural barriers that prevent women

from greater access to banking services, as well as a fair share of employment.

It is true that there are some barriers have been removed; for instance Self Help movement is one

that has seen commendable success in recent years, especially for women and I might add with

an impeccable record of repayment.

At the end of March, 2015, there were nearly sixty lac of them and the total credit extended to

them was nearly Rs. 33000 crore. There is regional imbalance too with Andhra Pradesh almost

half of this funding. As more and more women SHGs take route in other states and it is rapidly

taking place in number of other states including Jammu and Kashmir, banks will naturally be

called upon to increase their presence there. In this context one thing, I will have to say..

I believe that the use of Aadhar has the potential to revolutionalise the relationship of the vast

majority of our people with the financial system through the delivery of subsidy welfare and cash

payment. Through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) Aadhar will eliminate the middlemen and

reduce corruption on a large scale. But for this to happen, the banks will have to come on board

quickly. I hope the Bharatiya Mahila Bank will rise through this challenge as well.

Now, I have a small confession to make. I often struggle with acronyms. I hope fervently that

this new bank for women is not reduced to just technicalities.. The women must know that this

bank is for them and for their benefit, something that does not emerge naturally.

The Bharatiya Mahila Bank starts with initially nine branches, and I am told that it has an

ambitious programme to open several hundred branches in relatively short span of time and as it

grows and reaches out to more and more women. I would like to urge the staff of the bank to

always remember that extra effort is needed to reach to the remotest and the farthest and the

poorest women in the country.

Success is measured not only by the numbers you reached but also by your willingness to walk

the extra miles to work that extra hour. You will have to be especially kind and supportive to the

young girl who looks for loan to educate herself; you will have to show that bit of extra patience

with the women who want loans to build their home. You need to demonstrate extra compassion

for the poor and uneducated women who is among the section of the society that the banking

sector has so far left untouched. I am confident that with such a distinguished management and a

motivated staff you will measure up to the great expectations that ride on your shoulder.

I am proud to be preset here at the inauguration of this bank by the Prime Minister and offer all

my good wishes and felicitations to all the employees and wish them very success in the future.

Thank you. Jai Hind.

Sonia Gandhi in Mizoram

Congress President and UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi addressed a well attended election rally

in Lunglei at poll bound Mizoram and lauded the efforts of the Congress government in ensuring

welfare and upliftment of the common man.

Recently we have started a new initiative for youth of the state and this initiative actually is a

program called The Prime Minister Rural Development Fellow. We will take brightest and best

professionals and deploy them in places of North-east, in places of Mizoram to assist local

administration in implementation of our schemes for rural development.

We have built number of roads under the Prime Minister Gram Sadak Yojana. I am aware that,

in terms of building roads we need to repair number of them, we need to fasten our state and that

we will do. We have also planned to connect Mizoram with rest of the country through the

railway lines that is of course is something will take time but I will put all my efforts behind

implementation of this railway project.

Our record speaks for our efforts towards the protection of tribal rights. We enacted a law

guaranteeing forest right and have also settled the right of both communities and individuals over

the forest lands in a fair and equitable fashion.

And the new law on land acquisition ensures compensation, promises by law, transparency and

its fair compensation especially for tribal families something which earlier did not always

happen. Families living in tribal areas are ensured with benefits such as extra compensation and

land for land. This is part of the Land Acquisition bill.

Now we have made much progress in the country and in the North-east and in Mizoram; but in

spite of that we all know that we still have many areas where people suffer from malnutrition

specially children and expecting mothers; and at least to meet this challenge and ensure that

everyone gets a meal, our government has enacted Food Security bill and we must add that

despite all opposition from other parties including the BJP we were able to pass the bill.

Sonia Gandhi at Khargone (MP)

Congress President and UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi while addressing a huge election rally

at Khargone in poll bound Madhya Pradesh, launched a blistering attack on BJP and warned

them that mere words would not fill empty stomachs

There is corruption in BJP ruled Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh; no clean water for drinking,

no basic amenities for poor. In the past three years, 417 deaths have taken place in police custody

and 4285 in judicial custody. There is lack of doctors in hospitals, because of which proper

treatment is not given to the people.

About thirteen Madhya Pradesh ministers were indicted by the Lokayukta, but what steps were

taken after that? Farmers are not getting adequate seeds and fertilisers. Because of the anti-

farmer policies of the BJP government in the state, farmers are forced to commit suicide.

Despite UPA government’s land mark employment guarantee scheme – Mahatma Gandhi

NREGA, no one in Madhya Pradesh could secure jobs. Congress's fight is against poverty and

hunger. Hence we have introduced the schemes like Food Security bill, midday meal to help the

poor. We also introduced policies for better education, health, roads, water and electricity. The

BJP government had made several lucrative promises but it had failed to fulfil them in all these

years. The BJP government here has failed to implement several welfare schemes initiated by the

Centre. The Central government extended all its possible help and support for Madhya Pradesh’s

development and huge funds were sent to the state under various schemes. But where all these

funds vanished? You must ask the state government about you must get an answer from the BJP

government.

BJP leaders have been making false promises. I want to tell them that stomachs are not filled by

mere words. They must stop making false promises and must work hard, sincerely and with

commitment, for the welfare of the people and development of the state.

You are aware that, nowadays, BJP leaders are dreaming power, even during day time. In their

hunger for power, even they fight each other within the party. If the BJP leaders think that they

can easily make people fools with mere speeches, they are wholly wrong. The people of Madhya

Pradesh are intelligent.

India is a concept; it is a vision. India means compassion, brotherhood, kindness, love and

affection. BJP never understand this and will never can. They even make friends turn into

enemies for their narrow gains. You must be careful on this. There is a wind of change blowing

in Madhya Pradesh, I want you to contribute actively to the same.

Congress never compromises on its principles for any narrow political gains and will never do

so. If Congress comes to power in Madhya Pradesh, you will witness a sea of change in

development and we will work for the upliftment and progress of the poor and downtrodden. We

will deliver on our promises made in our election manifesto. We will fix MSP for forest crops

too and will waive off the loans of the poor farmers, which BJP had promised but never fulfilled.

We also will grant rights for the farmers in the lands they work. We will implement all the

schemes meant for minorities framed by the UPA Government, properly and successfully in MP

too.

Congress never makes hollow promises. We do what we say. I, therefore request all of you not to

fall in the traps of false promises made by our opponents. Please ensure each and every single

vote for Congress and take State of Madhya Pradesh to the track of development.

Thank you

Sonia Gandhi in Bhilai (Chhattisgarh)

Bhilai: Congress President and UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi addressed a huge election rally

at Bhilai in poll bound Chhattisgarh on Tuesday and hit out at the BJP government in the state

for lack of development.

“The Central government sent huge funds under all these schemes for Chhattisgarh but despite

this, the people are facing huge difficulties. Poverty has been on rise. I want to ask BJP what

development they are talking about in Chhattisgarh. Who is progressing here? They make big

promises but do nothing. You can feel the pulse of misrule by the BJP in every nook and corner

of the state. Common man lives in fear. Why it is happening because the BJP government in the

state is not at all bothered about its people” said the Congress President slamming the BJP

misrule in the state

On behalf of every Congress leader and on all behalf all of you I offer my condolences to the

families of those Police Jawans who lost their lives in today’s Naxal attack.

Your city is really a small India. People belonging to different parts of India are living here.

Your city is quite popular in all over the world. Why this is possible? Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru, who

laid out a roadmap for industrial growth in our country after independence, started the steel plant

in Bhilai, which played an important role in all round development in and around this place.

Many other industries also did come up in and around Bhilai by which many people could secure

jobs. This could also prevent migration for jobs from here.

Congress policies are always aimed at Industrial growth, providing employment and ensure a

happy and peaceful life to the people. You have every kind of resources like mines, forests and

water but I am sad that you are still suffering and Chhattisgarh is way behind in development due

to BJP’s misrule. That’s not all; due to BJP’s wrong policies several industries have suffered

huge losses. They also did not implement our policies for boosting industries. BJP government

has also been careless to implement our social welfare schemes in the state.

The Centre keep sending thousands of crores of rupees under various schemes like JNNURM or

Rajiv Gandhi Grameen Vidyutikaran Yojana but the people in Chhattisgarh could not avail its

benefits in the required manner due to the mis-governance by the BJP. We do know the

consequences when a state doesn’t develop properly. Unemployment increases, people face more

hardship, youth get depressed and such situations can take people to wrong paths.

UPA government understands the sentiments of the people and realises their problems. We have

therefore adopted a right-based approach. We have Right of Information Act so that any citizen

of India can gather any information regarding the government functioning. By Right to

Education, every child has the right for free education in government schools upto the age of 14.

Mahatama Gandhi NREGA guarantees 100 days of job guarantee for rural poor. We also brought

in Food Security Bill to make sure that no one in our country lives in hunger. We enacted Right

to Forest law to grant rights to the Adivasis in their lands and forest crops. We have launched

“Aam Adami Beema Yojana” for workers in the unorganised sectors and also implemented

schemes like old-age pension. Through Panchayati Raj system, the women were given 50% in

local bodies. Similar other schemes were also implemented to the welfare and empowerment of

women. All our policies are aimed at all round development and for the welfare and upliftment

of the most underprivileged.

The Central government sent huge funds under all these schemes for Chhattisgarh but despite

this, the people are facing huge difficulties. Poverty has been on rise. I want to ask BJP what

development they are talking about in Chhattisgarh. Who is progressing here? They make big

promises but do nothing. You can feel the pulse of misrule by the BJP in every nook and corner

of the state. Common man lives in fear. Why it is happening because the BJP government in the

state is not at all bothered about its people.

The corruption has broken all its records under BJP’s ten year regime in Chhattisgarh. CAG has

pointed fingers towards several ministers and BJP leaders over corruption but the state

government took no action against them. The funds sent for development by the Centre is being

misused and diverted for the personal purposes.

We don’t believe in making false promises. We do, whatever we say. We have not only assured

to take several measures for improving education, health and industrial growth but also offered

that we will take necessary steps to ensure welfare and upliftment of all sections of the societies

especially Adivasis, Dalits and backwards in our manifesto which has a detailed roadmap for all

round development of Chhattisgarh. We will honestly deliver on our promises with

commitment, dedication and devotion. Our efforts will be to ensure progress of the state and

improvement in the lives of the people. We will implement schemes that the BJP-led government

hasn't implemented so far.

This is my promise but only if you give a chance to us to form a government in the state. You

must cast each and every single vote in favour of Congress and play an important role in

transforming Chhattisgarh.

Thank you.

Sonia Gandhi in Ambikapur (Chhattisgarh)

Congress President and UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi assured that Chhattisgarh will develop

chathees (36) times better if Congress comes to power in the state. While addressing a mega

Congress election rally in Ambikapur in Chhattisgarh, Sonia Gandhi launched a blistering attack

on the ruling BJP government and urged the people to help Congress to form a government in

the state to take it forward.

Chhattisgarh has everything; viz. water, mines and forests. Your state could have become a much

more developed state if the statement works with more commitment and honesty. But those

people, who are hungry just for power, cannot do such things. For nation building and

development, one must have a vision for inclusive growth, sacrifice and dedication. Congress

has a history of sacrifices and service and Congress policies are always based on this; we will

never deviate from these principles.

Did you experience any feeling of sacrifice and commitment from the ruling state government

which has been in power for the past ten years? I am sure that they do not have such qualities.

Otherwise, entire people could have reaped benefits of the rich resources in the state. But today,

only handful of people, who are close to the state government, avail the benefits.

You have a government here which did not pay attention towards development in the required

manner. The state is lagging behind and the law and order situation has been deteriorating. The

women here live in fear as they face several types of atrocities. The farmers live in misery.

Adivasis are not getting proper price for the forest crops. They are deprived of their rights in

lands. In fact their lands were grabbed forcibly. Poverty has been increasing and youth are not

securing proper jobs.

The Congress-led UPA Government at the Centre implemented Mahatma Gandhi NREGA to

guarantee jobs to the rural poor and to curb migration. We also brought in Food Security Bill to

make sure that no one in our country lives in hunger. We also enacted Right to Forest law to

grant rights to the Adivasis in their lands and forest crops. Our Land Acquisition Bill prevents

any forceful land grabbing and the people are now assured with proper price for their lands

acquired.

It is the responsibility of the state government to make sure that the people here avail the benefits

of these schemes but the BJP government in Chhattisgarh failed to do so. They betrayed the

people.

Congress has always been committed to the welfare of the adivasis, poor, backwards and

downtrodden. Our election manifesto is also in this direction. Our manifesto promises 35kg rice

to all families free, except for those who pay income tax. Electricity and water bills will come

down and we will provide rehabilitation for farmers and tribals whose lands have been snatched

away. We will fix Maximum Support Price (MSP) for forest crops also. We will ensure the

rights in forest lands for Adivasis; Rs. 5 lac will be paid to those who are killed by forest

elephants. If their houses are destroyed, proper compensation will be paid to rebuild it. We also

will open technical institutes in Ambikapur.

Friends, Chhattisgarh has slipped back under BJP regime. The central government sent

thousands of crores for development to the state but despite of this, lots of children suffer from

malnutrition here. Adequate health care facilities are not available for my sisters in the state and

education facilities are insufficient here. There are no proper roads. The condition of electricity is

pathetic. Despite of all these, how can BJP claim development in Chhattisgarh? How can they

raise fingers against Congress?

Mere words cannot fill empty stomachs. Works with dedication and commitment are must for

development. Chhattisgarh govt has been assisted by central govt to fight Naxalism. What have

they done to curb Naxal menace? What happened with the Congress leaders in Chhattisgarh five

months back is very shameful for the state BJP government.

Congress has been fighting terrorism and Maoism. What did BJP do to tackle naxalism? But

what policies the BJP government in the state made to control the Naxal violence? Did they take

any steps to bring Naxals into main stream?

Divisive politics will not benefit anyone. Time has come to give a befitting reply to those who pit

one against another. A wind for change is blowing in Chhattisgarh. I am confident that the

people here will take a right decision to bring in positive changes. Congress always gave special

priority for Chhattisgarh’s development and will continue to do so. If Congress comes to power,

it will develop the state 36 times better than the BJP.

I, therefore, request you all to cast every single vote in favour of Congress to take Chhattisgarh

forward.