Rahul Gandhi campaigns in Mateli, slams TMC

EOI, Matelli, 25 March 2014: Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi has accused the TMC of doing the same things it had fought against before coming to power in the state. Gandhi, who today addressed a public meeting at Birsa Munda MSK premises in Juranti tea garden under Mateli block, said despite the West Bengal government being one of the biggest recipients of central funds, it has failed to adopt necessary development policies.

Taking further jibes at the TMC government, Gandhi said, “The size of funds that the Centre allots to Bengal for development of education and roads is larger than those received by any other state. But I have seen how dilapidated the roads are in the state.”

Gandhi alleged the funds are received by Kolkata, but they do not reach the people. He said, “It is very sad. What we want is the money should reach you and your rights must be delivered.”

Campaigning for Alipurduar Congress LS candidate Joseph Munda, Gandhi also claimed to work for the welfare of tea garden workers if voted to power. He also lashed out at the CPM saying Bengal’s poor performance had been an issue since its government was at the helm.

Gandhi said, “Communists have failed everywhere; they failed in Russia, in China and it’s a great thing that you threw them out from Bengal too.”

However, he shifted focus back to the TMC saying the people’s aspirations of change and hopes that the present government had promised for the poor, the all-round development have all turned futile. He claimed the Congress is the only party that can “bring change, fight for the rights of the workers and promote education”.  Urging the people to vote for Munda, the Congress vice-president promised workers’ rights, roads, electricity, drinking water, education and other development schemes for the region. 

Rahul Gandhi also played the card of youth and women issues in a bid to garner their support. He said, “I always talk about women and youths. If India is to become a superpower, it is essential women are provided space and opportunities to empower them.” He alleged 33 per cent of reservation for women in the Legislative Assembly and Parliament has been held up due to the adamant opposition of rival parties.

Gandhi did not fail to point out the “achievements” of the UPA government. He claimed several pro-poor schemes including MGNREGS were initiated and the Rights to Information Act Food passed. He added it was the Congress government that amended the Land Accusation Act making it mandatory market price of the land acquired from farmers be given them.

The meeting was also addressed by Berhampore MP Adhir Ranjan Choudhary, and Alipurduar LS candidate Joseph Munda in the presence of Congress leaders Deepa Das Munshi, Sukhbilas Verma, Sujay Ghatak and Shakeel Ahmed.