IMPHAL, March 21: Countering Narendra Modi’s frequently used statement of applying ‘Gujarat Model’ in developing other states in the country including Manipur, AICC vice president Rahul Gandhi said that the Gujarat Model is not applicable in Manipur and other states.
Rahul Gandhi stated this while addressing an election rally held on March 19 at Kodompokpi ground, Thoubal district.
Around 50,000 people turned up at the election rally which is less than the turned out of Modi’s rally last month in Langjing Achouba ground.
In his 12 minutes speech, Rahul while mentioning that congress priority is development assured to expedite development works in the state.
He also mentioned that once the congress vision for look east policy comes to the reality, the entire north east states will become India’s most developed part.
He also maintained that many developmental works has been done and many are again coming up during the congress tenure whereas BJP in their tenure has never done and not going to do in the future too.
“Modi’s Gujarat Model cannot be applied in every states of India as all the states do have their own model. Gujarat model will remain in Gujarat state others we cannot force as every people around the country do have their own culture and tradition different lifestyle as well”, said Rahul Gandhi.
The AICC vice president also expressed his desire to see London Olympics medalists and state woman pugilist MC Mary Kom in the parliament.
The public ground also holds an emotional attachment for Rahul Gandhi, as his grandmother Late Indira Gandhi, father Rajiv Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi had earlier visited this same public ground and addressed the people of Manipur.
Rahul said though Manipur is physically a small state he feels it exactly like any other states of the country as “we valued the culture and people of this state”.
Recalling that in 1972 the late Prime Minister of India, officially declared Manipur’s statehood at the same venue where he is standing, he contended that since then congress always strive for development of this region.
Highlighting the various schemes of the UPA government which are being implemented in north east, the visiting AICC leader reminded, “UPA government at center is the government of the poor and common men”.
Chief Minister, Okram Ibobi Singh, deputy chief minister, Gaikhangam and many councils of ministers and MLAs and congress worker also attended the election rally.
The people of Manipur want a stable, peaceful government and it would be wise for the opposition party like BJP to respect the people’s verdict of 2012, said Okram Ibobi Singh.
Pointing out that during the tenure of NDA government in the centre there had been many instability and insecurity like the Barbra masjid incident, Gujarat riot, 2001 June mayhem in Manipur following the signing of cease fire agreement between centre and NSCN-IM without territorial limits etc.
He further stated that since UPA came into power there has been a substantial change in Manipur in every aspect adding that he urged the people to vote for congress.
Deputy Chief Minister also claimed that congress party is the party of the people adding that no other party take the place of Congress.