Rahul Gandhi supports demand for separate fisheries ministry

Rahul Gandhi met representatives of the fishing community who put forth various demands pertaining to their business like need for a separate ministry, farming status for fisheries and more subsidies on diesel. (IE Photo: Pradip Das)

In a 40-minute interaction held at Versova fishing village which falls in Mumbai North West parliamentary constituency of CWC member Gurudas Kamat, fishing community representatives highlighted their demands and expressed fear that with land costs in Mumbai spiralling, builders were eyeing sprawling fish markets. (IE Photo: Pradip Das)

"We want to know on whose side are you?" they asked the Congress leader. "I will always be with you," Rahul replied adding that he had come to meet them and understand their views and not give a speech. (IE Photo: Pradip Das)

Supporting the demand for a separate fisheries ministry, he said that it was a good suggestion. (IE Photo: Pradip Das)

Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi on Thursday (March 6) said whether he becomes the Prime Minister or not is immaterial but what matters is that all Indians, including women and youth, feel it is their country. The Congress leader was interacting with tribal youth at an engineering college, as he began his two-day Maharashtra tour. (IE Photo: Amit Chakravarty)

Responding to best wishes from a youth for becoming the Prime Minister, Rahul said, "My becoming or not becoming PM does not matter. What is most important is that everyone here, specially women and youth in country feel that this is their own country." (IE Photo: Amit Chakravarty)

Asking youth to enter mainstream politics, the Congress leader said there should not be even one youth who says he is afraid in his own country. "I want to see MLAs, MLCs and MPs from amongst you in the next 10 years, maybe even a Prime Minister also," he said. (IE Photo: Amit Chakravarty)

Comparing Mahatma Gandhi and Hitler, Rahul said the German dictator shouted as he lacked confidence. But did Gandhiji ever shout? That was because he was confident." "Like Mahatma Gandhi, humbleness while speaking is a sign of extreme self-confidence. Confidence should not be seen as aggression," he said. "There is no need for saying things aggressively. You can say it with love. Many people will be with you," he said. "If anyone, be it Rahul Gandhi or Prithviraj Chavan, says he knows better than you, he is telling a lie," he said. (IE Photo: Amit Chakravarty)