Rahul Gandhi in Gujarat as it happened: Congress V-P slams Narendra Modi over development, unemployment

‘Modi betrayed common man’s hope’

Congress vice-president said that the BJP government had promised development funds for tribal areas, jobs for the youth and irrigation water for the farms. He added that the prime minister has failed on all these fronts and betrayed the people with hollow talks.

Rahul again attacks Modi, asks him to speak on Jay Shah row

Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi today stepped up his attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the alleged business dealings of BJP chief Amit Shah’s son Jay, asking him if he was a “partner” in the “theft”.

He also criticised Union ministers and BJP leaders who defended Jay Shah, saying they should change the name of the government’s flagship scheme for the girl child — “Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao”— to “Amit Shah ke bete ko bachao”.

Rahul Gandhi more interested in visiting Italy than Amethi: Yogi Adityanath

As Rahul Gandhi was on the second day of his tour in Gujarat, BJP top brass targetted the Congress V-P from his Lok Sabha constituency in Uttar Pradesh. 

Yogi Adityanath accused him of being more interested in Italy than in the people of his parliamentary constituency Amethi. He also taunted the Amethi MP for not coming to his parliamentary constituency often and rather visiting Italy more.

Rahul Gandhi meets and interacts with people displaced by the Narmada Dam in Pansoli Village, Vasahat, Dabhoi. #YuvaKisanAdhikar pic.twitter.com/FIHKJHZOft

— Congress (@INCIndia) October 10, 2017

Rahul Gandhi claims Congress will outdo 22 years of BJP govt’s work in just six months

Jo 22 saal mein aapke saath nahi hua, wo Cong aake 6 mahine mein karke dikhayegi: R Gandhi addressed ppl displaced due to Sardar Sarovar Dam pic.twitter.com/leT7Gy0C3s

— ANI (@ANI) October 10, 2017

Amit Shah-Rahul Gandhi trade barbs in each other’s home turfs

Ever since a story published in The Wire has raised questions over the the business dealings of Amit Shah’s son, Rahul Gandhi hasn’t been at a public meeting where he did not bring up the issue. In the form of subtle retorts, or sharp jibes, the prolific rise of Jay Shah’s business has spiced up the Gandhi scion’s speech in the BJP chief’s home state. 

Meanwhile, Shah, who was in Amethi, didn’t spare Gandhi at his constituency. “Instead of making a mockery of development in Gujarat, Rahul should focus on development in Amethi,” Shah said. 

राहुल गांधी जनता को यह बताएं कि इतने साल तक अमेठी से सांसद रहने के बावजूद अब तक अमेठी का विकास क्यों नहीं हुआ ? pic.twitter.com/eV6qywkxTB

— Amit Shah (@AmitShah) October 10, 2017

Rahul Gandhi visited Khadi India showroom in Karjan and interacted with people

Image Courtesy: INC Gujarat Facebook page

‘Ask Sonia Gandhi if she liked her son’s comments on women’: Watch Anandiben Patel take a dig at Rahul Gandhi over RSS comments

#WATCH : Former Gujarat CM Anandiben Patel demands Congress’ apology for Rahul Gandhi’s statement “Ever saw women in shorts at RSS shakhas”? pic.twitter.com/HDMXJoJBIy

— ANI (@ANI) October 10, 2017

Meanwhile… Former Gujarat CM Anandiben Patel takes a dig at Rahul Gandhi over his comment on RSS

BJP leader Anandiben Patel demanded an apology from the Congress vice-president over his comments on women’s participation in RSS shakhas.

Gandhi had apparently asked the people if they have ever seen any women in s_hakhas__. “_Their organisation is the RSS. How many women are there in the RSS… Have you  ever seen any woman in shakhas wearing shorts?” he had said in a sarcastic tone.

Patel, however, took exception to the comment and sought an apology from the party for the Gandhi scion’s ‘inappropriate and insulting comments.’ She also advised Gandhi to do a google search to find out facts, adding that RSS has had separate branches for women since a long time.

‘Gujarat will play a leading role in nation’s progress’

Gujarat is set to see a pitched battle in this year’s polls as the Congress party is going all out to woo voters playing up the anti-incumbency factor in the prime minister’s home turf. Rahul Gandhi, in his Navsarjan Yatra, leaves no opportunity to criticise the BJP-led government’s policies. 

Addressing a rally in Dabhoi, Gandhi said that the Gujarat was teh land thatt gave India the ‘white revolution’ and leaders like Mahatma Gandhi and Sardar Patel. He said that if lead in the right way, the state had the potential to lead the entire nation on the path to progress.

‘Congress party will ensure you get your rights’

Rahul Gandhi hit out at Narendra Modi over farm crisis in India. He said that farmers are commiting suicide all across the country but the Centre was ignornt towards their plight. 

Claiming that if a Congress government was elected, he will ensure that the farmers get the right prices they deserve, and if need be the party will also consider waiving off loans.

Vikas has gone ‘pagal’ in Gujarat 

Slamming the BJP government in Gujarat over its claims of development, Rahul Gandhi sarcastically said, “I am going to send  a letter to Guinness Book of World Records as for the first time ‘vikas’ has gone mad.”

Rahul Gandhi meets Asha and Aanganwadi workers

Here is what Asha workers told Rahul Gandhi in Dabhoi

Rahul in Dabhoi tells Asha workers, "If Congress forms govt in Gujarat, we'll pay you wages that you rightly deserve." @IndianExpress

— Aditi Raja (@aditijf) October 10, 2017

Asha workers tell Rahul in Dabhoi: Our demands of fixed wages, working hours not met; we'll do surgical strike on BJP @IndianExpress

— Aditi Raja (@aditijf) October 10, 2017

Gujarat Congress goes LIVE from Dabhoi

Rahul Gandhi is expected to address a public gathering in Dabhoi

Rahul meets aanganwadi workers

According to The Indian Express, Rahul Gandhi is currently interacting with aanganwadi workers in Dabhoi, a town near Vadodara. This was already part of his schedule decided by the Congress party.

Smriti Irani’s stinging attack over Rahul Gandhi

Speaking at a public rally in Amethi in Uttar Pradesh, the parliamentary constituency of the Gandhi scion, Irani said the Congress leader was making fun of development in Gujarat but has no answer for the lack of it in his own backyard in Amethi.

“A vast stretch of land was given by farmers long back for construction of the Samrat cycle factory and when nothing much happened there is an effort to occupy the land illegally and despite eviction notice they are not letting the land go,” she added. She said if Rahul Gandhi was listening to her speech, he should answer a lot of questions.

Smriti Irani accuses Rahul Gandhi of insulting Gujaratis, says Congress prefers politics to ‘vikas’

Union minister Smriti Irani on Monday accused Rahul Gandhi of “insulting” the people of Gujarat and claimed that the Congress will suffer what she called a “historic defeat” in the upcoming assembly polls.

“The manner in which Rahul Gandhi has made fun of the dreams and aspirations of the people of Gujarat will lead to a historic defeat for the Congress party in the state election,” said the Union minister for textiles and information and broadcasting in a statement.

Development is not something to be ridiculed, instead it should be welcomed but what Rahul Gandhi is doing in Gujarat is to insult the dreams and aspirations of 6.5 crore Gujaratis, she said.

Rahul Gandhi in Mandala village

Rahul Gandhi's convoy reaches Mandala village in Dabhoi taluka of Vadodara District @IndianExpress pic.twitter.com/ZZiyBrkCnI

— Aditi Raja (@aditijf) October 10, 2017

Rahul Gandhi convoy reaches Mandala village in Dhaboi

Rahul Gandhi makes an unscheduled stop at Khadi India showroom in Karjan

We will be the government for poor, says Rahul Gandhi

“Congress government will soon come to power in Gujarat, it will work for the interests of farmers, small traders and the poor. Last time, he (Modi) waived the loans of the rich. We will instead bring a loan waiver for farmers,” Rahul said in his Padra rally.

Watch: Rahul Gandhi is speaking in Padra in Vadodara

​

Government transitioned from ‘Beti Bachao’ to ‘Beta Bachao’

Rahul’s Gandhi’s remark came after several Union ministers came out in support of Shah’s son Jay Amit Shah. “Amazing transition from Beti Bachao to Beta Bachao,”  Rahul said on Twitter, using the term “Shehzada” to describe Shah’s son.

The mood at the Karjan rally of Rahul Gandhi

When Rahul Gandhi wondered at a public meeting in Karjan, “Jab Narendra Modiji pradhan mantri baney to unhone kaha mein Chowkidar hun, to ab kyon chup hain (When he became the prime minister, he said that he will be a “chowkidaar”, but why he is silent now?),” the crowds screamed chor hain, chor. 

Gandhi was referring to the media expose on BJP chief Amit Shah’s son. And when he said, “Ye chowkidaar hey ke bhaagidar”, there was a huge laughter as people responded almost in unison, “bhaagidar”, amid deafening whistles. 

Crowds also screamed, “Jutho chhey, Jutho chhey (he is a liar, referring to Modi)”, in the same breathe.

Rahul Gandhi’s jibe at demonetisation  

While tagging a copy of the report on Twitter, published by news website The Wire, Gandhi on Monday had taken a jibe at the BJP chief,“We finally found the only beneficiary of demonetisation. It’s not the RBI, the poor or the farmers. It’s the Shah-in-Shah of Demo. Jai Amit.”

Rahul Gandhi rakes up Jay Shah controversy

Rahul in Karjan: Piyush Goyal's Ministry gave unsecured loans to Amit Shah's son's company @IndianExpress

— Aditi Raja (@aditijf) October 10, 2017

Rahul in Karjan: Before 2014 polls, Modi said he doesn't want to be PM but Chowkidaar; Chowkidaar ke samne chori hui @IndianExpress

— Aditi Raja (@aditijf) October 10, 2017

Rahul Gandhi reaches out to media, says ‘daro mat’

To media persons who feel stifled, we raise our Hand and say #DaroMat, the party is firmly behind you.
Read more: https://t.co/KKWkWZHk1v pic.twitter.com/vVa4f5GruL

— Congress (@INCIndia) October 10, 2017

Rahul Gandhi addressing the public in Karjan

Rahul Gandhi being falicitated by local leaders

BJP gets a thumbs up in local body polls

In a major boost for the ruling BJP before the Assembly elections, the party has won five of the seven local bodies in Gujarat. The party has also won a seat in Gandhinagar’s Randheja taluka. It is to be noted that the party won only two of the seven bodies in the last elections.

You can follow updates from Amit Shah’s rally here

Meanwhile, Rahul Gandhi is in the line of fire in Amethi

“People of Gujarat have experienced development. Rahul must look at what he has done to Amethi. While he asks what Modi has done in last three years, Rahul must answer what his family has done for Amethi and India,” BJP president Amit Shah told the gathering in Amethi. 

Gujarat ki janta vikas janti hai, Rahul baba aap Amethi ko dekhiye aapne kya banta dhaar kiya hai: Amit Shah in Amethi pic.twitter.com/XfzWevKOOw

— ANI UP/Uttarakhand (@ANINewsUP) October 10, 2017

Congress ke shehzaade ko puchna chahta hu, Modi Ji ke 3 saal ka hisab mangte ho, Amethi apki 3 peedhiyon ka jawab mangti hai: Amit Shah pic.twitter.com/zsgQqI11gx

— ANI UP/Uttarakhand (@ANINewsUP) October 10, 2017

Rahul Gandhi concludes address

While Rahul ended his speech, urging Gujarati populace to vote for Congress, the public in Karjan began shouting slogans like, “Congress aveche”, which roughly translates to “Congress is coming.”

Rahul Gandhi attacks BJP over noteban

Congress vice-president said that the Modi government looted Indians through note ban. Rahul Gandhi added that the move only impacted the daily wage workers, unemployed and the working class people, and said the demonetisation drive only helped a group of 10-15 industrialists.

Rahul attacks Amit Shah’s son once again 

“It was sheer magic that Rs 50,000 became Rs 80 crores in just few months. While successful companies run longer, I don’t know why it was closed in 2016. It is happening in a country where the chowkidaar (Modi) is ruling India, Why he is silent when there has been a theft? It seems now it is Amit Shah ke bete ko bacchao”, Rahul Gandhi told a public gathering in Karjan.

After former Leader of Opposition Shaktisinh Gohil, Gujarat Congress chief Bharatsinh Solanki is addressing the gathering

Rahul Gandhi is live from Karjan

Smriti Irani says Rahul has no right to preach on ‘vikaas’

“Those who do not the difference between relay transmission and FM radio station should not talk about ‘vikaas’,” Smriti irani said in an apparent dig at Rahul Gandhi. 

Jo relay transmission aur FM station ke beech ka farak nahi janta woh sansad vikas ke upar gyan de yeh kitna shobha deta hai: Smriti Irani pic.twitter.com/HZXaBHo9io

— ANI UP/Uttarakhand (@ANINewsUP) October 10, 2017

Smriti Irani says Rahul has no time for Amethi

“When people from Pipri went to meet the MP (Rahul Gandhi), they were told that he had no time left for them,”  Irani said on Tuesday. 

Pipri gaon ke logon ne kaha ki woh sansad mahoday se milne gaye aur bataya ki sansad mahoday ke pas humare liye waqt hi nahi: Smiri Irani pic.twitter.com/dlAS7WibEy

— ANI UP/Uttarakhand (@ANINewsUP) October 10, 2017

Rahul Gandhi now employing plain-speaking approach to win his electorate?

This speculation may be true according to a report in The Times of India. Citing three instances, the report added that Rahul has turned contemplative during his recent Gujarat trip. On Monday, the Gandhi scion said,that BJP’s constant criticism of him opened his eyes and helped him learn. 

Rahul has also said in the past that Congress’ 2014 loss helped being beneficial to the party. The report noted that last month, Rahul said the Congress had become ‘arrogant’, which is why it lost in 2014.

Rahul Gandhi interacted with the public in Padra

पाडरा रोड, वडोदरा में राहुल गांधीजी से मिलने उमड़े लोग.. #YuvaKisanAdhikar pic.twitter.com/Mokwmo7sKS

— Gujarat Congress (@INCGujarat) October 10, 2017

Gujarat govt reduces VAT on petrol, Congress calls it a gimmick

Gujarat govt reduces VAT on petrol by 4 percent. With the latest announcement, petrol prices have been cut by Rs 2.93 and diesel by Rs 2.72. On the latest announcement,  Congress Shaktisinh Gohil said, “This decision was taken in view of the support that Rahul Gandhi is getting across the state. This was done with an eye on elections,” he told reporters.

Rahul Gandhi mocks Gujarat model, Modi’s GST implementation  

Rahul also hit out at the NDA government over the economy and demanded that the rates under the Goods and Services Tax (GST) not exceed 18 percent. “In spite of our request to the Centre, they are charging rates of over 18 percent under the GST… They should revert to the 18 percent tax slab,” Gandhi said, adding high taxes have ruined many businesses. Demonetisation resulted in loss of business of many small traders, he said. The famed Gujarat model of development had failed, the Congress leader added.

What happened last time around in the Gandhi bastion

Amethi had witnessed a high-pitched electoral battle between Gandhi and Irani in the 2014 Lok Sabha elections. Though she lost, Irani managed to reduce the Congress leader’s victory margin from around 3.70 lakh votes in 2009 to 1.07 lakh in 2014.

Smriti Irani takes credit for Rahul’s Amethi visits post 2014

Taking a jibe at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, Union minister Smriti Irani has claimed that visits by her and senior BJP leaders had ensured that the people of the district were seeing more of the Congress vice-president.

Rahul Gandhi reaches Padra, will be addressing the gathering

Shri Rahul Gandhiji at Padra village, Vadodara #YuvaKisanAdhikar pic.twitter.com/Qv5hcDIflY

— Gujarat Congress (@INCGujarat) October 10, 2017

Rahul says Congress did a better job in providing employment

Our record was better than their's (govt), but even our record was 5 on 10: Rahul Gandhi in Gujarat on providing employment pic.twitter.com/AghdjJ9dP1

— ANI (@ANI) October 9, 2017

‘Vikas Gando Thayo Che’ is rocking the BJP on social media

The BJP is facing an embarrassing social media blitzkrieg in Gujarat under the theme, Vikas Gando Thayo Chhey (Development has gone bonkers) and Maara Haara Chhetri Gaya (They took us for a neat ride) taunting at the development claims of the state and Central governments. And it is not a campaign by the Congress, which is yet to demonstrate anything so effective anywhere, leave alone Gujarat.

Rahul takes a dig at Modi’s forceful implementation of demonetisation

A leader's job is to look 5-10 years ahead and not implementing things forcibly that will make people cry: Rahul Gandhi pic.twitter.com/aRocesLQc7

— ANI (@ANI) October 9, 2017

Watch: Rahul Gandhi says Modi government not focussing on job growth

#WATCH Vadodara, Gujarat: Rahul Gandhi says, 'Modi Ji's focus is not on (providing) jobs.' pic.twitter.com/P0KcvjZNSP

— ANI (@ANI) October 10, 2017

Glimpses of Rahul Gandhi’s interaction with students in Vadodara

Here is the Day 2 schedule of Rahul’s Navsarjan Yatra

Rahul Gandhi slams anti-women mindset of BJP

“Everything is fine till the time a woman is silent. But if she speaks, she will be silenced,” Rahul said. 

Inki (BJP) thinking ha jab tak mahila chup rahe, kuch bole na tab tak mahila theek hai jaise hi mahila ne muh khola usko chup karvao: RG pic.twitter.com/9io8Nf3vQP

— ANI (@ANI) October 10, 2017

Rahul Gandhi mocks ‘vikas’ in Gujarat

Memorable Moment with #Vadodara Audience:

Rahul Gandhi: What's Happened to Vikas #Gujarat?
Audience: #Vikas_ગાંડો_થયો_છે#YuvaKisanAdhikar

— Congress Live (@INCIndiaLive) October 10, 2017

Rahul Gandhi addressed students of an institute in Vadodara

Rahul Gandhi began his day by paying tributes to Bhimrao Ambedkar 

Day 2 begins with Rahul Gandhiji attending a prayer meeting & paying respects to Dr. B.R. Ambedkar at Sankalp Bhoomi. #YuvaKisanAdhikar pic.twitter.com/51eblpc5qo

— Gujarat Congress (@INCGujarat) October 10, 2017

Buy Indian phones: Rahul’s appeal to youth

After addressing students, Rahul Gandhi will address a gathering in Bhayli in Vadodara

Watch: Smriti Irani mocks Rahul Gandhi in Amethi

#SmritiInRaGaLand -- Amethi is not Gandhi bastion anymore. Rahul only knows Berkeley, not Barolia: Smriti Irani to @maryashakil pic.twitter.com/kNc6J0V4JH

— News18 (@CNNnews18) October 10, 2017

Meanwhile you can follow Amit Shah’s Amethi rally  here.

Rahul Gandhi’s view on free speech

#DaroMatMedia: Congress and I believe you have a right to criticise anyone, no matter how harshly:Rahul Gandhi #YuvaKisanAdhikar

— Congress Live (@INCIndiaLive) October 10, 2017

Rahul Gandhi mocks Amit Shah’s son

“Jay Shah is an icon of start up India. Look how he brought the company’s revenue from Rs 50,000 to 80 crores. But I don’t understand why he wound up the company in less than a year,” asked Rahul in Vadodara.

Rahul Gandhi attacks RSS, BJP’s anti-women stance

“Badi badi bate hai. Yeh log khokle baate karte hai (These people talk about big and hallow things). They are not interested in women’s rights. Have you ever seen any women in RSS camps,” Rahul said questioning the BJP alleged anti-women attitude.

Job creation not the focus of NDA govt

“Job creation is a problem in India. Out of 30,000, only about 450 youth get employment in India. Whereas in China, about 50,000 youth get jobs. This is because the NDA government is not focusing on jobs,” Rahul told students in Vadodara.

Private sector in Gujarat is a monopoly, says Rahul

“The private sector in Gujarat is a monopoly. At least 90% privatisation in technical education,” Rahul told students on Tuesday.

Will bring back focus on knowledge, says Rahul Gandhi

“Education is important . But if you run educational institutions only for profit, then it will not benefit students. The reason why IITs are successful is because they are not run for profits. The focus is not profit. My government in Gujarat will help bring the focus back on education and not on profit,” Rahul Gandhi told students during an interaction in Vadodara.

Watch: Rahul Gandhi is interacting with students

Recap: Rahul Gandhi contemplates on Congress’ policy on small and medium scale industry

Ye BJP extreme karti hai,Cong ko bhi jis tarah karna tha nahi kia. Humari galti maanta hoon: RG on not strengthening small&medium businesses pic.twitter.com/qDUed38Ys7

— ANI (@ANI) October 9, 2017

Recap: Felt bad after seeing LTTE chief Prabhakaran’s body, says Rahul Gandhi

My family has GandhiJi's values. Felt bad when I saw body of my father's killer Prabhakaran.Told it to Priyanka,she said she felt bad too-RG pic.twitter.com/BPChHbK7WG

— ANI (@ANI) October 9, 2017

Watch: Rahul Gandhi speaks over how Congress will tackle inflation problem

#WATCH Gujarat: Rahul Gandhi replies to a question on steps which Congress would take to lower down inflation if Congress comes into power. pic.twitter.com/YpxSFIxY8w

— ANI (@ANI) October 9, 2017

Watch: Congress’ Navsarjan Yatra song

Rahul Gandhi targets Narendra Modi over Jay Shah’s business irregularities

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Monday targeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi over a media report which had claimed that a company owned by BJP chief Amit Shah’s son Jay had recorded huge increase in turnover after the saffron party came to power in 2014.

Updates for 10 October 2017 begin

Rahul Gandhi reaches Asodar

Shri Rahul Gandhiji at Asodar. People have gathered in big number to show him support. #GujaratNavsarjanYatra pic.twitter.com/iheWa2MPCK

— Gujarat Congress (@INCGujarat) October 9, 2017

Rahul Gandhi slams BJP on bad loans, says why a farmer was called a defaulter but an industrialist a nonperforming asset

Targeting BJP-led central government on loans, Gandhi said, “Modi govt’s new model is a model for industrialists. When poor farmers fail to pay their loans, Modi ji calls them defaulters… BJP refuses to waive off their loans saying they shouldn’t be taught to become habitual defaulters. But when industrialists like Mallya don’t pay back their loans they are called non-performing assets.

“Loans given to poor is their right, not a gift. In case the Congress comes to power, we will give loans to the poor, farmers, women, who Modi govt ignores,” Gandhi said.

Five-ten industrialists run Gujarat govt 

Rahul Gandhi slammed the state government accusingit of crony capoitalism. “The Gujarat government’s doors are closed for the poor adn farmers. Only five to ten industrialists are running the government,” Gandhi said.

He also brought up the inflation issue, alleging that the Modi government failed to check the rise in fuel prices. “Ghar chalane ka kharch badha ya kam hua (Has your monthly budget increased or decreased),” Gandhi asked amid a cheering crowd.

With unemployment on agenda, Rahul Gandhi plans to woo Gujarat youth

Rahu Gandhi attacked the government over its failure to create jobs. India, he said, is competing with China these days. China creates 50,000 jobs every day, but the country under the Modi government is able to generate just 450 jobs per day, he said.

“This is because their focus is on development of 100 big industries. When the Congress comes to power, it will develop small and medium scale industries which can create many more jobs,” Gandhi said.

‘Modi cannot nullify past 70 years of India’s journey’

Hitting out at Narendra Modi for denying the development done during Congress rule in India, Rahul Gandhi said that India’s journey in the past 70 years has been too great to be one party’s property. He said that the progress made in those years should be accredited to the people of India, and by denying it, Modi was insulting the contributions made by your families and forefathers. 

He also said that Atal Bihar Vajpayee too had not denied the development work done during the years that Congress was in power.

On Gujarat visit, Rahul Gandhi seeks to directly reach out to the people

Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi mingled freely with the crowds, held meeting with village milk cooperatives as well as interacted with rural women in the central Gujarat region of Kheda and Anand.

Emerging from a meeting of milk cooperative women in Borsad town, he asked a three year old girl Devanshi why was she crying and she murmured, “bhukh laagi chhey (I am hungry)”. He gave the girl a chocolate. 

He then walked with the child holding her finger through the crowd, while her mother Minalben held the other hand. Minalben is a member of the Sojitra taluka (tehsil) panchayat.

Watch: Rahul Gandhi’s address at Nadiad village

RT INCIndia "Watch Rahul Gandhi's address to the the people of Nadiad in Kheda District. #GujaratNavsarjanYatra pic.twitter.com/A66ymmW8Ye"

— Daman & Diu Congress (@INCDamanAndDiu) October 9, 2017

Rahul Gandhi mocks Modi’s ‘man ki baat’ radio address, says we believe in listening

Mocking Narendra Modi’s monthly radio address to the nation Mann ki Baat, the Rahul Gandhi said, “Hum apko apne mann ki baat nahi batayenge, hum apki mann ki baat sunenge (We won’t tell you how we feel, we will listen to what you have to say.)

Rahul Gandhi in Petlad village

Massive crowd gathered at Petlad village for Shri Rahul Gandhiji #GujaratNavsarjanYatra pic.twitter.com/fULW6QdSna

— Gujarat Congress (@INCGujarat) October 9, 2017

Rahul Gandhi attacks Modi, Amit Shah over son’s business earnings

Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi on Monday launched a frontal attack on the Narendra Modi government, accusing it of crony capitalism, and hit out at BJP chief Amit Shah over allegations that his son’s business fortunes soared after the NDA government came to power in New Delhi. Addressing enthusiastic crowds in Nadiad in central Gujarat, on the second phase of his party’s Navsarjan Yatra in the poll-bound state, Gandhi took pot shots at the Modi government as the gathering cheered loudly.

“When it comes to helping, they help only a handful of industrialists. For 10-12 years, Amit Shah’s son’s company had nothing, but started earning only after 2014. ‘Ajeeb duniya hain’ (It’s a strange world). He (Jay Shah) started with Rs 50,000, and in a year it jumped to Rs 80 crore. This is ‘Start Up India’, ‘Make in India’,” he said, mocking the Prime Minister’s pet schemes.

Rahul Gandhi pays tributes to Sardar Vallabbhai Patel in Naidad

Paid my tributes to Sardar Patel ji at his birthplace in Nadiad pic.twitter.com/uq8nm7w57C

— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) October 9, 2017

After visiting Santram Mandir, Rahul addressed a corner meeting at Nadiad in Kheda

After Darshan at Santram Mandir, Congress VP Rahul Gandhi addresses a corner meeting at Nadiad in Kheda District. #GujaratNavsarjanYatra pic.twitter.com/eW9byY3Gln

— Congress (@INCIndia) October 9, 2017

Continuing on his visit, Rahul visited the birthplace of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel in Kheda

Gujarat: Congress Vice-President Rahul Gandhi visited birth place of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel in Kheda pic.twitter.com/zpPa6hfheq

— ANI (@ANI) October 9, 2017

Rahul Gandhi mocks Modi’s anti-corruption slogan over Jay Shah’s business dealings

Urging the crowd to repeat after him, Rahul raised slogans mocking Modi’s popular ‘na khaunga na khane dunga,’ rallying cry_. “_For 10-12 years, Amit Shah’s son’s company has been into existence, but it starts earning only after 2014. Isn’t it a strange world,” Rahul said. 

“Na khaunga, na khaney dunga. Kahan gaya chowkidar? Ye hain Gujarat ki sachchai (Neither will I indulge in corruption nor will I let anyone else do it, Modi would say.. but this is the reality of Gujarat)," Rahul said.

Rahul Gandhi fires fresh salvo at Modi govt over unemployment

Targetting the Narendra Modi government at the Centre, Rahul claimed that unemployment is one of the biggest problems in India and the BJP has failed to keep its promises. 

“Chhappan ki chhaati hain, mein Akela rozgar dunga. Kisiko kuchh nahi karna padega (Whatever happened to the 56-inch-chest. He said I will create jobs all by myslef.),” Rahul said. 

He also added that every 24 hours, 30,000 unemployed youth enter the job market, of which only 450 get jobs.

Rahul interacted closely with villagers and sarpanches

During the first phase of his yatra, Rahul tried to portray himself as an approachable leader before the crowds. He rode a bullock cart, sat on a dholiya (a traditional charpoy), had tea in a tansali (a utensil made of brass and bronze) with the family of a Congress leader, and closely interacted with villagers and sarpanches, reported The Indian Express

Images of Rahul’s address at the public meeting at Khatraj Chokdi in Kheda

Rahulji addressing public meeting at Khatraj Chokdi, Kheda. #GujaratNavsarjanYatra pic.twitter.com/SIhpO4J0l8

— Bharat Solanki (@BharatSolankee) October 9, 2017

Rahul being welcomed by enthusiastic crowds

Enthusiastic crowds have welcomed Rahul in Central Gujarat’s Charotar region. The BJP and Congress are evenly placed in this region. A spirited Rahul is giving flying kisses to crowds as they lap them up with applause.

The Congress lost two of its senior legislators, Shankersinh Vaghela and Ramsinh Parmar, during the run-up to the August Rajya Sabha elections.

Rahul reaches Santram Temple

Rahul has reached the historic Santram Temple in Nadiad in central Gujarat.

He is scheduled to interact with workers at the Amul dairy plant later in the day.

Rahul Gandhi being welcomed by welcomed by Congress leaders at Ahmedabad airport

Mani Shankar Aiyar says that only Sonia or Rahul can be party president

Senior Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar on Sunday said that only mother and son (Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi) can acquire the post of party president. “I think only two people can be Congress President – mother or son. Rahul has already said he is ready to contest the election” Aiyer told ANI.

The Delhi unit of the All India Congress Committee (AICC) passed a resolution on Saturday requesting vice-president Rahul Gandhi to take over as party president.

Gandhi calls out Narendra Modi on Jay Shah’s business dealings, asks “were you gatekeeper or participant?”

मोदीजी, जय शाह- 'जादा' खा गया|
आप चौकीदार थे या भागीदार? कुछ तो बोलिए

— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) October 9, 2017

Gandhi has been under attack by the BJP

Union minister Giriraj Singh targeted Rahul Gandhi claiming the Congress vice-president did not have knowledge of the history or geography of the country and was only fond of reading scripts.

“Like film actors, Rahul is fond of reading written scripts. He does not have knowledge of history and geography of India,” Singh, the minister of state for micro, small and medium enterprises, told reporters.

“We brought land acquisition law”

‘The government has been focusing only on 10-15 people and not on the masses. They steal land whenever they want and do it in two minutes. We fought for the landholders by bringing the land acquisition law but you don’t get its benefit in Gujarat,’ says Rahul Gandhi.

‘The poor people must pay for education in schools and colleges. If you are poor then doors of colleges are closed. Similarly, in hospitals, you must pay to get treated,’ he added.

#NarendraModi ji ka Gujarat model fail hai, ye #Gujarat ko maloom hai: #RahulGandhi at a public meeting in #Kheda, Gujarat

— India TV (@indiatvnews) October 9, 2017

“What happened to development in Gujarat? It went mad after listening to lies”

Gujarat mein vikaas ko kya hua? Ye kaise pagal hua? Ye jhooth sun sun ke pagal ho gaya hai: Rahul Gandhi at public meeting in Kheda, Gujarat pic.twitter.com/NMuclFUVYE

— ANI (@ANI) October 9, 2017

Biggest challenge is that of employment

Gandhi says that the biggest challenge facing the country is that of employment. He said that every 24 hours, 30,000 young men embark on a job hunt and now there is an army of the unemployed.

Out of the 30,000, only 450 are given jobs by the Modi government. He says that we are competing with China who gives employment to 50,000 people everyday.

Gandhi insists that Narendra Modi’s Gujarat model has failed

Narendra Modi ji ka Gujarat model fail hai, ye Gujarat ko maloom hai: Rahul Gandhi at a public meeting in #Kheda, Gujarat

— ANI (@ANI) October 9, 2017

Rahul Gandhi insists that the Congress government will do every little work only after listening to the people

Congress yahan aaygi to aapki sarkaar chalegi, chhote se chhota kaam aapse poochke karenge:Rahul Gandhi at public meeting in #Kheda, Gujarat pic.twitter.com/dxB00xP1cI

— ANI (@ANI) October 9, 2017

Rahul Gandhi attacks the Modi government

Gandhi says that the government could have asked any poor person about the effect demonetisation would have on the poor. It caused harm to many lakhs of people.

He says that if Congress comes to power in Gujarat, they will not tell you their “mann ki baat”, but will ask you about your “mann ki baat”. He insists that they will listen to the underprivileged.

Rahul Gandhi attacks the Narendra Modi government on economic issues of demonetisation and employment

Rahul Gandhi starts speaking in Gujarat’s Kheda

Tv9Gujarati is reporting that Gandhi’s Hathijan rally has been cancelled. He will instead address a rally at Khatraj chokdi and then start his road show from Hathijan circle

#Ahmedabad:#RahulGandhi's public rally at Hathijan cancelled,
to address rally at Khatraj chokdi,
Road show starts from Hathijan circle

— Tv9 Gujarati (@tv9gujarati) October 9, 2017

Tv9 Gujarati reports that Gandhi has reached Hathijan Circle and is greeting supporters

#Ahmedabad: #RahulGandhi reaches Hathijan Circle,
greets youths#Gujarat

— Tv9 Gujarati (@tv9gujarati) October 9, 2017

After three successive defeats in Gujarat in 2003, 2007 and 2012, the Congress is aiming to reverse course, a task perhaps made a tad easier in light of the fact that Modi no longer stands as a chief ministerial candidate for BJP.

The schedule Rahul Gandhi will follow on the first day of his Navsarjan Yatra in Gujarat

Rahul Gandhi reaches Ahmedabad and is received by Ashok Gehlot, Ahmed Patel and Bharat Solanki.

Congress VP Rahul Gandhi is received at Ahmedabad by @ashokgehlot51, @ahmedpatel and @BharatSolankee. #GujaratNavsarjanYatra pic.twitter.com/apmn7YGEib

— Congress (@INCIndia) October 9, 2017