Rahul, Advani campaign in Jharkhand

Hitting the campaign trail in Jharkhand, Congress general secretary Rahul Gandhi appealed to people in Jamtara to vote for the party, saying only the Congress could ensure that money sent by the central government reaches the people of the state.

Hitting the campaign trail in Jharkhand, Congress general secretary Rahul Gandhi on Saturday appealed to people in Jamtara to vote for the party, saying only the Congress could ensure that money sent by the central government reaches the people of the state.

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Rahul Gandhi, addressing a rally in Jamtara, said: "If you want the money sent by the central government to reach you then vote for the Congress. Our hands are open at the centre and we form schemes, but the second hand (state government) is not open to implement the schemes and take the money to you."

Rahul Gandhi reminded the people about the central government move to help the poor people by introducing job guarantee schemes, NREGA, midday meals in schools and waiving off Rs 60,000 crore farmers' loans. He also tried to woo tribals by saying: "We introduced the tribal bill to give you land rights, but the benefit did not reach you".

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader LK Advani, speaking to reporters in Bokaro, said: "For the last few years Jharkhand has witnessed misgovernance. The NDA (National Democratic Alliance, headed by the BJP) can provide good governance in the state." He also stressed the need for simultaneous elections to the assembly and Lok Sabha.