Parts of road ‘missing’, Rahul summons officials

The NHAI and administrative officials informed him that funds were allocated to the UP Public Works Department (PWD) for the construction of the road through a contractor. The road was constructed about one-and-a-half years ago. “Though NH-232 has been recently transferred to us, it was developed by the PWD and still under their defect liability period. Thus, we cannot do much about its maintenance,” a senior NHAI official told The Indian Express.

However, Rahul told the locals, who had gathered in large numbers with their requests and complaints about basic necessities like road, drinking water and health care facilities, that Union Minister of Transport, Roads and Highways, Oscar Fernandes will visit the area within a week to take stock of the situation of the roads here.

Later, at a public function, Rahul said, “No development will come to UP till a Congress government is formed here.”

He said democracy was not strong enough in the state, which has for past many years “been ruled by either a party of one caste or another.” “BSP is being run by a single person and SP is being run by a family,” he said, adding that he was trying to bring democratic system in Congress where candidates would be decided by public.

Asked why he was restraining himself from speaking much, Rahul said his father (former PM Rajiv Gandhi) had told him that he should always let his work speak rather than blowing a trumpet about it. On being asked about AAP candidate Kumar Vishwas contesting against him, Rahul said, “People will come and go, but I am here to stay.”

‘Will consider PM post, if MPs elect me’

Asked about him becoming the PM in case Congress wins the elections, Rahul said: “In Congress, elected MPs select the PM. If our party comes to power and the MPs select me, then I will definitely consider it,” he said.