Sonia focuses on n-deal at rally in Rajasthan

Addressing around one lakh people at Dussehra Maidan, Deoli, Sonia said the nuclear deal would make India self-reliant. “Development of the power and energy sector is of prime importance in the country and I congratulate Manmohan Singh on clinching the nuclear deal. I am sure this deal will help us develop far beyond several other countries,” she added.

Referring to the BJP’s opposition to the deal, she said, “Every time the Congress takes a step in the right direction, the Opposition hurls accusations at us. It is their method, but I promise you that it will not shake our resolve one bit. There is no question of backtracking.”

As Deoli has a large population of Gurjjars, Meenas, Jats and Rajputs, the AICC president spoke of the Gurjjar agitation for the first time as well as the police firing at Sohala. “Why should you vote for a party that fires at its own people like during the Gurjjar agitation and the farmer agitation at Sohala nearby?” she asked.

Elaborating on the UPA Government’s efforts to help farmers, she said, “The Centre has waived off close to Rs 65,000 crore in farmer loans, which will benefit around four crore farmers and their families. Also, the UPA has recently announced a Rs 25,000-crore National Farmers Development fund,” she added.

She also explained the Central Government’s other efforts, including the National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme, the passing of the Tribal Bill, improved pension schemes and schemes for SC/ST girl students.

Sonia said the Central Government was pumping in crores of rupees into the state for development, but it was being misused by the Raje Government. “These schemes are meant for you, not for the Raje Government to appropriate. Just compare the situation when Ashok Gehlot was in power with the BJP rule, and you will realise the truth,” she said.

Also present at rallies were PCC president C P Joshi, former chief minister Ashok Gehlot, Union minister Shish Ram Ola, Union Minister of State for Environment Namo Narain Meena, Dausa MP Sachin Pilot and CLP leader Hemaram Choudhary.