Rahul woos Sikhs, farmers

Rahul woos Sikhs, farmers
Sanjeev Chopra
Posted: May 06, 2009 at 0103 hrs IST

Barnala Plays the ‘Manmohan card’, terms BJP elitist, talks of inclusive growth
Taking on the opposition for its labelling of Manmohan Singh as a “weak” prime minister, Congress general secretary Rahul Gandhi today said that he is yet to meet a Sikh who could be termed weak.

Starting his speech with a ‘Sat Sri Akal, Rahul said, “A Sikh can never be weak, I am yet to see one,” at a well-attended rally in favour of Vijay Inder Singla, party candidate from the Sangrur seat.

He, however, conveniently bypassed the controversial issue of CBI clean chit to accused in the anti-Sikh riots case. Only yesterday, at a rally here, top BJP and SAD leaders had slammed questioned Manmohan for his role in the Sikh massacre of1984.

He also charged the BJP with being elitist, saying, “The BJP slogan of ‘India Shining’ in 2004 talked only about the elite classes and not the poor, the farmers, villagers and tribals, who form the majority of our nation.”

“The Congress will ensure that speedy development takes place in the country, in which everyone has a share,” he added.

In addition to playing the Manmohan card to woo Sikhs, Rahul also looked to woo farmers, traditionally seen as the Akali votebank in Punjab. “While Sikhs like Manmohan Singh have held the nation’s head high in the world, farmers are the backbone of the nation and we cannot ignore them,” he said, while harping on the 70,000-crore farm loan-waiver by the UPA.

Earlier, Rahul was given a roaring welcome by Congress leaders and supporters at the rally. Accompanied by former Youth Congress chief and Haryana minister Randeep Surjewala, Rahul was seated with CLP leader Rajinder Kaur Bhattal, PPCC president Lal Singh and Congress nominee Singla. Barnala MLA Kewal Dhillon was the first to address the gathering.

Bhattal and Lal Singh assured Rahul of putting all the 13 seats in the Congress kitty, while Singla urged the public to lend support “in this battle against those who have done nothing for the common man”.

Thumbs down
Singla honoured Rahul with a sword on his coming to Barnala. But as party leaders jostled for space to fit into the frame, the photo-op frenzy resulted in Rahul hurting his thumb.

In family tradition
Following family tradition, Rahul broke off his security cordon to mingle with the masses. Some shook his hand and many even hugged him. Those older greeted him with folded hands and gave him their blessings.

Glimpse hungry
Those unable to see the Gandhi scion up close started making roaring noises and settled down only after Singla requested them to, with folded hands, repeatedly.

with thanks : source : http://www.expressindia.com/latest-news/rahul-woos-sikhs-farmers/455023/

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