MOKONGON: Accusing the RSS and the BJP of attacking different cultures in the country, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday insisted that his Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra is an ideological war against such forces.
“Nobody’s has a right to decide about your tradition and what you eat and what you wear. Every culture and religion must be respected”, he said addressing a well-attended public meeting here.
“Although Northeastern states have a small population, all are equally important as other parts of the country.
“I am ashamed that the Prime Minister did not visit Manipur which has been torn apart into two pieces. I am equally ashamed for not fulfilling the promises of peace pact made to people of Nagaland nine years ago,” he added.
Exhorting the youth, especially girls, to work for the bright future of the State of Nagaland, Rahul assured the gathering that “in Delhi, you have a soldier called Rahul Gandhi”.
Rahul also accused the ruling regime of discrimination with the people of Northeastern states, especially Nagaland. “Why people of Nagaland are deprived of good roads, electricity, hospitals and other basic facilities that are being enjoyed by people in other parts of the country, how a Naga youth would go to attend a competitive exam by traveling this road and how he will compete with the children of the rest of the country without electricity in his home,” he asked.
He said that the ruling party is helping a group of people that is why out of the top 500 companies, non is owned by a Naga.
“If you don’t have a solution, please don’t lie to people and make empty promises,” he said in a veiled reference to the Prime Minister. A solution cannot be found out without taking people into the confidence and having discussion with them, he added.
He said that the very idea of his Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra is to listen to people and feel their pain.
Rahul also urged people of Nagaland to raise their issues with him so that he could raise them in Parliament.
“You are straightforward people and I am also like you. I tell you that once the Yatra is over, I will come and spend few more days in Nagaland,” he told the gathering.