BJP wants to halt UPA's all welfare measures: Rahul

Questioning the rationale behind opposition to the Centre's economic decisions by the BJP, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Thuesday alleged that the party's only intent "is to halt work" and oppose every welfare move of the UPA government.

Winding up his two-day visit to Punjab, Gandhi lashed out at the BJP-led NDA, saying they were opposing the policies of the Congress, meant to take the country forward, without basis.

"Our government brought FDI. Its meaning is giving the farmer what he deserves... his rightful share. When the BJP-led NDA government was in (power at the Centre in) Delhi, they were not opposed to FDI. We did it, they are opposing it," he said.

"We gave MANREGA and land acquisition bill, they have opposed it. They want to stop work. Ask them what you want to do, they will not reply. What Congress wants to do, they want to stop. Because they know that if they let us work, we will change this country. But we will not stop," said Rahul.

The young Congress leader was addressing a rally organised by the National Students Union of India (NSUI) at
Punjab University campus here this afternoon.

Making a mention of Punjab, he said "what is happening to human resources in Punjab. 7 out of 10 youth have the problem of drugs."

Gandhi also claimed that the Punjab government was not giving unemployment allowance to youth.

"We (Centre) send scholarship money for SC, ST categories. It is not utilised here (in Punjab) and is sent
back" he claimed.

Appreciating presence of a large number of girl students in the crowd, Rahul said he hoped to see a woman becoming a Chief Minister in Punjab 10-15 years down the line.

Related story

Uproar over Rahul's drug problem remark