Arunachal on Rahul Gandhi’s post-retirement plan

Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday said he was weighing the option of settling down in Arunachal Pradesh after his retirement. Addressing a party rally at Hapoli in the frontier state’s Lower Subansiri district, he also urged the India beyond to learn from the northeast how to empower women.

Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday said he was weighing the option of settling down in Arunachal Pradesh after his retirement.

Addressing a party rally at Hapoli in the frontier state’s Lower Subansiri district, he also urged the India beyond to learn from the northeast how to empower women.

Gandhi said Congress-ruled Arunachal Pradesh sent an example in devolution of power to panchayats for development of remote rural areas. He lauded the government led by Mukut Mithi for improving the state’s literacy rate, providing employment opportunities for youth and women, ensuring peace and preserving local cultures.

Gandhi also sought attention to tourism, horticulture and hydropower generation toward improving the northeast’s economy. He felt the region had several traits to teach the rest of India, such as social endeavours to provide more opportunities to women.

His 16-minute speech, though, was more effusive about the natural beauty of Arunachal Pradesh, particularly Hapoli, a picturesque plateau inhabited by the Apatani tribe. “I have never seen such a beautiful place anywhere in the country and am willing to settle down after my retirement,” Gandhi said.

Elections to the 60-member AP assembly will be held simultaneously with the Lok Sabha polls.