UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi inaugurated the Rs. 1,685-crore rail coach factory in Rae Bareli on Wednesday. Flagging off the first set of coaches in Lalganj, Gandhi said, “I want to mention those who spread rumours against the project…. But it has been completed in such a short time”.

Gandhi handed over appointment letters to 14 youths from the families whose lands had been acquired for the project.

Later in the day, Gandhi laid the foundation of the Rae Bareli campus of the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT).

Gandhi also gave ‘lessons’ to the 38 fashion design students at the convocation. “I have noticed a trend to overdo — a single garment has beads, patchwork — such garments are very uncomfortable to wear and lack elegance.”

She also recalled late PM Indira Gandhi's “innate sense of fashion" and said her simplicity was admired the world over.