The decision to not contest against PM Modi in Varanasi was taken by Priyanka Gandhi herself, Congress leader Sam Pitroda said on Friday, a day after the party repeated its 2014 candidate from the constituency ending weeks of speculation.
Pitroda said Congress president Rahul Gandhi had left the decision to her. “It was she who thought there are responsibilities for her; rather than concentrating on one seat, she should focus on the job she has at hand. The decision was finally hers,” Pitroda told reporters here.
The chairman of the Indian Overseas Congress Department said democracy has been hijacked and freedom curbed under Modi rule. “Very few people are willing to speak up. Media -- --not all but some -- has not been very fair ; truth doesn’t get the space it should get.”
Pitroda said, “In these five years, we saw many promises made -- of building 100 smart cities, creating 100 million jobs, and bringing back black money -- but when we see the government record, it is clear that nothing has been accomplished, except a lot of false promises.” He said all have seen what has happened because of note ban and GST.
Pitroda said the challenge before the nation is generation of jobs . “Our country is young, 600 million people are below the age of 25; we must create 100 million jobs in five-seven years. In last five years, no new jobs have been created. Not even a single smart city has been developed.”
{{/usCountry}}Pitroda said the challenge before the nation is generation of jobs . “Our country is young, 600 million people are below the age of 25; we must create 100 million jobs in five-seven years. In last five years, no new jobs have been created. Not even a single smart city has been developed.”
{{/usCountry}}On Balakot air strikes, he said, “When we questioned Balakot incident, we were called anti-nationals. Who are you to call us this? We will say what we want to, this is democracy…truth will come out today or tomorrow. Truth is that in last 5 years, the state of the country has deteriorated. What is important is to promote work and economy, education, health for all, women safety and taking care of farmers.”
Pitroda said former PM Rajiv Gandhi gave political will to develop IT and telecom. “One thing is clear we know how to create jobs – we created jobs in IT, telecom, milk and green revolution, space and defence,” he said.
Pitroda said Nyuntam Aay Yojana (Nyay) is the most important scheme -- poverty will be attacked by providing Rs 72,000 annually to every poor family.
Reacting to allegations, BJP spokesperson Mukesh Pareek said the BJP supports democracy. “In our party the president is elected and not like in the Congress where a family continues holding the chair.” He said “In 5 years, record development works have been done; there is no village without power and roads.”