Rahul wraps up campaign at Sirhind with 5 promises

Saturday, 04/02/2017

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SIRHIND: Vice-president of the Indian National Congress (INC) Rahul Gandhi did not want to miss the last rally of the 2017 Punjab assembly polls and landed exactly in time before 5 pm to address a gathering in support of Kuljit Singh Nagra in Sirhind on Thursday. “Please remind me of time, we need to wind up before 5,” he asked Nagra at 4.46 pm. “I am told to complete it in 14 minutes,” he added.

Starting with a story of first Sikh master, Guru Nanak Devji, he ended up with making five promises to people of Punjab in 13 minutes at 4.59pm. “Nahin to mushkil ho jayegi (otherwise, we will be in trouble),” he added. Apart from Nagra, Amloh candidate Randeep Singh and Bassi Pathana candidate Gurpreet Singh also addressed the gathering.

Rahul started with a story from the life of first Sikh guru, Guru Nanak Devji. He said that once Guru Nanak’s father handed over his shop to him and Guru Nanakji auctioned everything for ‘terah’ (thirteen) bucks. “That’s how Guru Nanakji told us to give away everything for the well-being of others as he spread the message of ‘tera’ (all yours). ” Said Rahul. “But these Akalis have the opposite motive they call everything ‘mera’ (all mine).” He added to his story. He appealed to the gathering to oust the SAD-BJP government for the well-being of the state.

While lashing out at the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Rahul hinted at Arvind Kejriwal’s meetings with separatist leaders. However, he did not name any group or organisation. “Kuchh sal pehle, Punjab ka mahol khrab huya tha, shanti Bhang hui thi,” said Rahul. He said those separatist forces were trying to come together again in Punjab through the AAP. Here, he spoke about tenth Sikh guru, Guru Gobind Singh's message of communal harmony.

FIVE PROMISES

Rahul made five promises to people of Punjab. However, he was short on figures. He assured to fulfil these promises within five months of the Congress assuming power. He said that in first month, they will completely control ‘chitta’ smuggling to Punjab. His second promise was to start giving free land to poor villagers from panchayat land within two months. However, Nagra corrected him that 5-marla plots were on offer.

“We will start filling the backlog vacancies in three months,” said Rahul. He mentioned the government and private jobs both. Here, again he forgot that Captain promised a job to every household.