Budaun, May 09: Rejecting BSP`s charge that
the Centre had discriminated with Uttar Pradesh, Sonia Gandhi
on Saturday blamed Mayawati government for the lack of development
in the state and accused the ruling party of being
hand-in-glove with communal and mafia elements.
"The BSP government in order to retain power gives a
green signal to the communal elements and is encouraging the
criminals and the mafia elements in the state," the Congress
president said at an election rally here in support of party
candidate Salim Sherwani.
She alleged that the BSP in order to retain power was
not even hesitant to have a tie-up with the communal elements.
"Congress will not allow the poison of communalism to
spread in the country. The country wants development and a
strong government, which only the Congress can give under the
leadership of Dr Manmohan Singh," Gandhi said.
Reacting to Chief Minister Mayawati`s charge that the
UPA government had rejected the development package sought by
her, she said, "The Congress does not discriminate when it
comes to development and the Centre has never allowed shortage
of funds to any state.
"But the UP government has not implemented the
central schemes in a right manner, as a result of which the
state is lagging behind," Gandhi said.
If voted to power, she promised Congress will give 25
kg of rice and wheat each month at Rs 3 per kg to people
living below poverty line.
Bureau Report
