The Hindu : Front Page : Mayawati has ignored Amethi: Priyanka

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Sunday, Apr 12, 2009
ePaper | Mobile/PDA Version

Front Page

Front Page

Mayawati has ignored Amethi: Priyanka

“Neither is her government implementing Central schemes here”

PHOTO: PTI/ATUL YADAV

Priyanka Vadra interacts with a child during an election campaign for her brother Rahul Gandhi in Amethi on Saturday.

Amethi (U.P.): Campaigning for her brother Rahul Gandhi in the Amethi Lok Sabha constituency on Saturday, Priyanka Vadra said the Mayawati government had “ignored” the region.

“The State government is not implementing development schemes in the area and is ignoring the region. On the other hand, whenever we [the Centre] tried to do something, they the BSP government created obstacles,” she said, addressing a public meeting in Ranipur village here.

Lauding the development works done by sitting MP and Congress general secretary Rahul Gandi, she said: “I am his sister. Therefore, I know he has made tremendous efforts. As he could not get enough support from the State government, development works have been carried out with Central assistance.”

Invoking the Congress party’s “old relationship” with the people of Amethi, she said: “I came for campaigning in favour of my father here when I was 17. Now it has been 20 years… I’m here not to ask for votes as it is already ensured.”

Describing Amethi as her father’s ‘karma bhoomi’ and her ‘pavitra bhoomi’ [sacred land], she said her family would remain indebted to its people for their “love and affection.”

Later, talking to reporters at Khalispur village, Ms. Vadra rubbished BJP prime ministerial candidate L.K. Advani’s charge that Manmohan Singh was a “weak” Prime Minister.

“He is not weak. He is not at all weak. He is very strong. The work he has done in five years is proof,” she said.

Addressing another rally in Nawan village, she tried to strike an emotional chord with people. “Though my family has worked for the people here, the love and affection we have received in return is much more. We cannot pay back for generations the love and affection you have showered on us.”

Ms. Vadra told a gathering that since Rahul was campaigning across the country, “he has sent his younger sister here.”

Acknowledging that unemployment was a problem, the 36-year-old said: “I am also a mother and I know what a mother wants ... a bright future for her children.”

Earlier, in an informal chat with newspersons on her arrival at the Fursatganj airport here, Ms. Vadra said that she would ask the electorate to vote on the issue of development, rising above caste and communal considerations.

She refused to comment on Chief Minister Mayawati’s statement that Maneka Gandhi failed to inculcate good values in Varun. During her last visit to the constituency, Ms. Gandhi had criticised her cousin and BJP leader Varun for his alleged hate speech. — PTI

Elections 2009 - Comprehensive coverage

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Front Page