Oust BSP from Uttar Pradesh: Rahul

In a scathing attack on BSP and BJP, Congress general secretary Rahul Gandhi said both the political parties had neglected the poor and asked people to "oust" the Mayawati-led party from Uttar Pradesh.

In a scathing attack on BSP and BJP, Congress general secretary Rahul Gandhi on Thursday said both the political parties had neglected the poor and asked people to "oust" the Mayawati-led party from Uttar Pradesh.

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Campaigning for party candidate and former cricketer Mohammad Azharuddin, who is locked in a four-cornered contest in the brass city, Gandhi said, "We sent funds but it did not reach you. The fund reaches Lucknow where the government constructs big parks and statues and you don't get the money."

"....We gave back Rs 70,000 crore (loan waiver) to you but still you did not get it," he said while exhorting the youth to bring a change in the state and added, "You have to oust them (BSP) within three years."

Hailing the UPA's flagship job programme NREGA, Gandhi said, "You can ask what we gave you in five years. The biggest was employment guarantee scheme. Funds were sent to UP also but it has not reached you."

Attacking Mayawati, he said, "The Chief Minister here says the employment scheme will not end poverty. Then will poverty go by constructing parks...By making statues?"

Taking a dig at BJP, Gandhi said, "Ask them why women are beaten in your party-ruled state Karnataka and they will say that it concerns Karnataka. Ask them about Orissa and they will say it's only about Orissa.