Bhiwandi, Maharashtra: Congress Vice-President Rahul Gandhi on Thursday took on RSS, blaming the outfit for assassination of Mahatma Gandhi. He also ridiculed senior BJP leaders for claiming credit for introducing computers in India.
"RSS people killed Gandhiji and today their people (BJP) talk of him...They opposed Sardar Patel and Gandhiji," Rahul said while addressing a public rally here in Thane district. The Congress leader attributed technological advancement in the country to late Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi and technocrat Sam Pitroda.
"When it comes to computers, it was Rajiv Gandhi, Sam Pitroda and other young leaders, (who brought it in India)," Rahul said. He said, then the most senior opposition leader in Parliament had questioned saying why was Rajiv Gandhi talking about computers.
"They had said India doesn't need computers as it would snatch away jobs. Look what happened, computers have changed India. After 10 years, the same leaders said it was they who gave computers and telecom to India. "Similarly, after five-ten years, they will say NREGA and RTI were their creation," Rahul said.
The Congress Vice President also wondered how it was possible for the opposition (BJP) to do in three months what Congress has done in 60 years. "The opposition says what Congress has done in 60 years, they will do in three months. How is this possible," he asked.
Underlining the need to empower women, Rahul said, "There are 50 per cent women in the country but a proportionate number is not seen in state legislature and Parliament."
The rally was Rahul's last public function during his two-day Maharashtra tour which began yesterday. Earlier today, he had an informal meeting with editors in Mumbai.
Rahul said it was the labour of poor that has taken the country forward and no single individual can take the credit for development. "Poor people have taken this country forward. If we have to take the country forward, we will have to listen to them and take them together. All, including Adivasis, should reap the fruits of development. Whatever we (Congress) have done is after factoring in your views," Rahul told the public meeting.
Reiterating that Congress was the party of poor people, he said that Congress was not just an organisation but it is an ideology. "Congress was born in this State. Our ideology is over 1,000 years old. Our ideology is inspired from Bhagwad Geeta... Shivaji (the Maratha king) used to talk about it. (Samrat) Ashok and (Mahatma) Gandhi had also spoken about it," the Congress vice-president said.
"Congress has been deeply rooted in the hearts of the people. Our ideology cannot be erased so easily," he said. Rahul accused the opposition of playing "divisive" politics in the name of religion.
"Wherever the opposition goes they provoke fight between different religions...Hindus with Muslims and Muslims with Hindus...Between different castes and different regions," he added.
Rahul also said his party had always emphasised on "inclusive development" as its growth agenda.
