ZIRO, March 18 � AICC vice president Rahul Gandhi today launched a scathing attack on Congress� rival camp saying the opposition always tries to create �hindrance� towards achieving its goal.
Kick-starting the party�s poll campaign for 2014 general elections to Lok Sabha and State Assembly in Arunachal Pradesh here in the Apatani plateau, the Gandhi scion said in chaste Hindi, �Hum aap (Arunachal) ko baki Hindustan se jorna chahta hain, par hamare Opposition partiyan isme rukawat dalna chahta hain� (Congress wants to link Arunachal Pradesh with the rest of the country but the opposition parties always try to create hindrance towards achieving the goal).
Addressing a 5,000 plus gathering at the Subansiri Stadium, Hapoli, he began with �Aya Du-aa� (asking for their wellbeing) in presence of AICC general secretary Luzinho Faleirio, APCC president Mukut Mithi, Chief Minister Nabam Tuki and others. Rahul while referring to the Nido Tania case said while Congress wants to unite the people, the opposition parties try to divide the country.
He also said as the country �draws equal power from UP, Bihar, so is the case with Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya, Mizoram and other NE States�.
Trying to connect with the electorates, Rahul said his grandmother, the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi gave Arunachal (then NEFA) Union Territory status in 1972 and father, Rajiv Gandhi gave Statehood in 1987.
Impressed with the scenic beauty in the Ziro valley and the people�s warm hospitality, he said, �You show the entire world the path of peace, happiness� and when I retire I will settle down here in Ziro�, he said to a huge round of applause.
He further said the culture and history of Arunachal Pradesh should be kept intact.
Stating that women and youth needs to be empowered, he said the State will develop in its real sense when we devolve full powers to panchayats, local representatives, urban local bodies which remains the Congress�s main agenda.
Besides advocating 33 per cent women�s reservation to empower the womenfolk, the Congress leader said the State�s main focus should be on connectivity, tourism and horticulture. While talking about the State�s hydropower potential, he said, Arunachal can meet the country�s power needs once the power projects are developed.
Rahul said the people of NE have got the equal right to go anywhere they want to. �I want to see the people of other parts of the country greet Arunachalees from their heart,� he said before wrapping up with a �Paya Lincho� (thank you).
Chief Minister Nabam Tuki, in a bid garner people�s support for his party and its Ziro-Hapoli candidate Padi Richo, said a lot of developmental activities including infrastructure development especially road, water supply, urban development have taken place in fulfilment of the previous poll promises. He said more development will be brought in provided the party is given a chance for the next five years.
The CM said that the Congress party�s main poll plank is progress and development.
Takam Sanjoy said Arunachal Pradesh is the cornerstone of the Congress party in India and we started our poll campaign from Ziro and will emerge �hero� (victor in polls).
