Claiming that the Congress reversed Assam’s fortunes for the better during its past 10 year rule in the state, Gandhi said Congress was the only party that could ensure sustained development.
“Assam had voted for Congress 10 years ago when the law and order situation were at its worst. But the situation has reversed today. I request the people of Assam to continue giving the Congress the privilege of serving them,” Gandhi said, addressing an election rally at Karimganj.
Reiterating the Congress’ commitment to development of the state, she said special thrust was being laid on education for the growth of the people.
The Congress chief promised of an engineering college and a polytechnic institute in Karimganj if the party retains power.
She also mentioned about the Right to Education Act, mid-day meal scheme and special scholarships for meritous students of poorer section of society as other Central government initiatives in its focus on education.
Promising of boosting the communication system in the state, Gandhi said the Congress was pursuing the matters of railway gauge conversion and four-laning of national highway on a priority basis.
Emphasizing the need for the special schemes for the sections of people left out from mainstream development, Gandhi pointed to several such schemes being implemented for minority welfare and women empowerment, among others.
In an apparent reference to BJP leader Arun Jaitley’s ‘opportunistic Hindutva’ remarks as revealed in WikiLeaks cable, Gandhi said, “As evident from the WikiLeaks cable, this people are merely looking for opportunities for their own ends. The general public can never put their trust on such people.”
“The people here are very intelligent. They will not fall into the trap of these leaders who remember Assam only during elections,” she added.
Gandhi also addressed rallies at Khumtai and Bokajan, which go to the polls in the first phase on April 4, along with north Karimganj.
The Congress chief is expected to return to the state for campaigning for the second phase, slated on April 11.
