Congress will revive in Uttar Pradesh: Rahul Gandhi

Ambedkar Nagar (Uttar Pradesh), Apr 14 (ANI): Taking a dig at the Mayawati Government, Congress General Secretary Rahul Gandhi on his visit to Ambedkar Nagar, on Wednesday said that the Congress Party would revive in Uttar Pradesh and bring development to the state.

"The Congress will change the fortunes of Uttar Pradesh," said Gandhi, adding that people who were playing politics over religion have failed.

"The future of the country lies in the hands of the people residing in the villages," said Gandhi.

"People of the country rests in the villages," he added.

Gandhi further said the National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (NREGA) was not being implemented properly in Uttar Pradesh.

"Job card does not reach the poor people, it lies in the office of the village panchayat," he added.

Rahul Gandhi flagged off ten vehicles as part of a Chetna Yatra (awareness drive) to cover all 403-assembly constituencies in the state to mark 125 years of the party's establishment.

The Congress Party is leaving no stone unturned in ensuring the programme is a success, and has mobilized its workers from the adjoining districts of Barabanki, Gonda, Faizabad, Azamgarh and Basti for the Chetna Yatra.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati had reportedly denied permission to Gandhi to garland a statue of Dr. B.R.Ambedkar during his visit.

Both the Congress and the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) are taking out rallies here today to mark the 119th birth anniversary of Dr. Ambedkar.

Tight security arrangements have been made for Gandhi's Ambedkar Nagar visit, as the BSP is charged up to protest against the wrong policies of the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) Government and the shortcomings in the Women's Reservation Bill.

There are reports that despite the BSP calling for a state-wide agitation, Ambedkar Nagar is the focal point of the BSP rally, as senior state government leaders are expected to stage a demonstration here.

"Four companies of Provincial Armed Constabullary (PAC) have been dispatched to the district from the DGP headquarters," said Additional Director General of Police Brij Lal. (ANI)