AHMEDABAD: Congress president and chairperson of United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government at the centre claimed that it were Congress leaders that laid the foundation of textile and petrochemical industries in Gujarat as well as Sardar Sarovar Project on Narmada river. She said this while addressing a kisan sammelan at Race Course ground in Rajkot. She called upon the people of Gujarat to help Congress in building a new Gujarat. Targeting Gujarat chief minister Narendra Modi, she alleged that some people are misguiding the people by indulging in rhetoric.
Sonia said that because of the rhetoric, real fact are not reaching the people. She said that Congress laid the foundation of petrochemical, textiles, industries in Gujarat. Sardar Sarovar Scheme devised by Congress leaders. However, under the BJP rule, the water of Narmada river has still not reached the people of Saurashtra. Farmers have suffered because of the scanty rains in the state this year. UPA government will take notice of the issues of fishermen. The government has taken steps for health, education, rural employment. Gujarat got 50% more funds for its development.
She supported FDI in organised retail saying that it will help farmers sell their produce bypassing the middlemen so that they get better returns.
She also defended the recent hike in diesel prices saying that the price of crude oil has risen from $32 per barrel in 2004 to a over $100 now, which has necessited the hike in petroleum products. "The rate of Value Added Tax is the highest in Gujarat. Why the state is not reducing VAT rates. In Congress ruled states, the state government has decided to give 3 more LPG cylinder in addition to 6 to be given by the central government. Why is BJP government not doing it?" she asked.
On the issue of corruption she said that there is a discrepancy in what BJP says and what it does. It was BJP which did not allow the Lokpal bill to pass in Rajya Sabha. The Gujarat government has not appointed Lokayukta in the state for over eight years.
She alleged that Dalits are fired upon if they demand their rights
At a time when Gujarat chief minister Narendra Modi is carrying out Vivekananda Yuva Yatra, Mrs Gandhi took a visit of Ramkishna Mission Kendra at Rajkot.
Saurashtra region where farmers have suffered crop losses. Saurashtra has been a BJP stronghold since two decades backed by Patel votes. The ruling party secured 35 seats in 2007 assembly elections sparing 14 for Congress and one for NCP. However, the region has lost 11 seats because of fresh delimitation. Now it will send 48 representatives to the state assembly.
Gujarat Congress's all MLAs, MPs, city and district unit presidents, state office bearers, union ministers elected from Gujarat etc are asked to remain present in this rally.
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