Congress MP Rahul Gandhi, on Thursday, attacked the Mayawati government when he said that “dalals” (touts) were running state because the people of UP remain divided.
According to an agency report, Mr Gandhi said, “You people are not together, the state is divided and that is why ‘dalals’ are running the state.” Mr Gandhi was addressing farmers on the third day of his padyatra in Aligarh district.
He said that some people may not like it but the truth was that since people are not united, they are suffering. The train will not come on its track unless you understand what is happening here,” he told the villagers.
Mr Rahul Gandhi, who began his foot march on Thursday from Sayrole village in the district at 6.30 am, told farmers that he had come all the way from Delhi to convey his concern to the people of Uttar Pradesh.
“I started my padyatra from Bhatta-Parsaul which suffered violence in which several people were killed in May. I wanted to meet you personally and hear your problems. I have met a number of farmers so far but not a single one who does not want development. All farmers wish to get involved in the development process and in the progress of the state. Your land is pure. It is being taken away from you forcibly and they don’t give adequate price,” he said.
He pointed out that farmers were not against building of roads and other development, but they all wanted their involvement in this development process.
“It is the government’s duty to include all of them in this development process. Wherever I go the farmers are ready to give land but they are asking for their rights also,” Mr Gandhi said.
Mr Gandhi lauded the land acquisition policy of Haryana and said that there were no problems with farmers there because farmers were being paid the market price.
“In Haryana, farmers are paid adequate compensation, help and employment but in Uttar Pradesh, their land is taken away forcibly,” he said.