Hitting out at TRS for going back on its promise to merge with the Congress, Rahul Gandhi today gave full credit to his mother for the creation of Telangana even as he criticised TDP and BJP for “opposing” carving out of the new State.
“…the truth is without Soniaji, Telangana would not have been formed,” the Congress vice-president told a public meeting in this district headquarters town in Telangana, which goes to polls on April 30.
“I want to say plainly that without Congress, the dream of forming Telangana would not have been fulfilled.”
Union Minister S Jaipal Reddy is the Congress candidate from Mahbubnagar Lok Sabha constituency.
Rahul said TDP sought to stop the passage of Telangana Bill in Parliament and BJP tried to block it in Rajya Sabha.
“When the Bill came up for drafting and passing, we didn’t see TRS (playing any role).”
Charging the TRS with only hankering for power, he said the regional outfit had promised to merge with Congress (after statehood goal is realised), and also make a Dalit first Chief Minister of Telangana but “forgot” them. “TRS will forget the promises made to you also (people).”
He said the new state, which will come into being on June 2, needs a government with vision for launching growth oriented policies. Only Congress can accomplish this task.
The Congress MP said post AP division, Seemandhra and Talangana have their own dreams and his party is committed to fulfilling the promises made to both.
Making a strong pitch for ensuring social justice in the new state, he said Congress would like to take everybody along. “We don’t want politics of anger. The SC/STs, OBCs, minorities, women should have a share in Telangana.”
He favoured building a brand Telangana, so industrial development and employment generation are ensured in the soon-to-be formed state.
Referring to the huge share of China in production of consumer goods, he hoped a day would come when “Made in Telangana” and “Made in India” brand is established worldwide.
“Let Telangana youth feel that we have made these products,” Rahul said to a round of applause from a large number of youth who attended the election meeting.
Rahul spoke at length on the development initiatives being contemplated by Congress like establishing industrial corridors. “You have to decide whether you want a small dream or a big dream. Small dream is not going to help.”
