Ahmedabad, 7 December 2012

Speaking at Keshod in Saurashtra, Congress party’s national president Sonia Gandhi alleged that the Gujarat government has used 16% of central government aid under JnNURM scheme in only one assembly constituency. Though she didn’t mention the name of the assembly seat area, she was referring to Chief Minister Narendra Modi’s Maninagar constituency.

“The UPA government provides JnNURM aid for basic facilities in urban areas. You will be surprised to know that 16% money of JnNURM grant to Gujarat was spent in only one assembly constituency area. I don’t want to name that assembly area, but you can understand which is that area I am talking about. Isn’t it injustice to other urban areas in Gujarat? It is,” Sonia said.

Sonia said, “how some people for their political gains make false allegations. It is alleged that the length of the railway line is decreased in Gujarat. We have connected Somnath to entire country. Minimum Support Prise (MSP) has been increased under the UPA government. We directly intervened in purchase of Agri produce. But these people are involved in false propaganda. They should do atmachintan and should accept the contribution of the Congress government.”

Sonia alleged that employees are being exploited in Gujarat, women face atrocity and exploitation here and law and order situation is not good.

Sonia gave credit of Narmada scheme to Jawaharlal Nehru and asked the state government why water of Narmada dam is not supplied to Saurashtra. Sonia said state’s 57 areas are still under dark zone, while power generated in the state is being sold to other states to earn profit. She alleged that UPA government supplies fertilizers to the state, but it is diverted to industries, and farmers are compelled to pay more prices. “Is it correct to exploit the farmers like this?” She asked, adding that while UPA govt waived debt on farmers, the Gujarat govt is anti-farmers.

Sonia asked a series of questions on VAT money, Sagar Khedu scheme, Rs 1100 crore package that was promised by the state government.