Rahul Gandhi, the Congress party chief, on Friday, arrived in the United Arab Emirates (U.A.E.) for a two day visit to attend a cultural event.
While addressing the Indian diaspora of the U.A.E., at a cricket stadium in Dubai, Rahul Gandhi said, “As soon as our government comes to power, we will give special status to Andhra Pradesh.” He further added, “I am confident that if we stand together we will convince the Government of India and Prime Minister Narendra Modi that what is due to the people of Andhra Pradesh should be given to them.”
Since the bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh into the State of Andhra Pradesh and the State of Telangana in 2014, the political parties of Andhra Pradesh are demanding, a special status be granted to the State of Andhra Pradesh, however, the Central Government refused the demand and instead, offered a special financial package to the State.
Speaking to the Indians in the U.A.E., Rahul Gandhi asked them about their problems and assured them, their issues would be included in the manifesto of the Congress party and will be resolved.
Mr. Gandhi said, “I have come here to tell you that I stand by you. You leave your families behind in India, you all toil hard to earn for your families. I am here to assure you that we are with you…I am here to listen to your problems. Whatever help we can extend we are ready.”
Mr. Gandhi also took a dig at Prime Minister Narendra Modi and said, India suffered intolerance for four and a half years under the rule of the Modi led Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP.)
Speaking about the role of unity and politics in India, Rahul Gandhi said, “We can never run a country like India believing that only one idea is correct and all other are wrong. Today, my beloved country India is being divided for political reasons.”
He went on to say, “We don’t need a ‘BJP mukt Bharat’. We want an India where every citizen says he is an Indian first and then the rest.”
To substantiate his point, Mr. Gandhi gave an example and asked the Indian expatriates, “Can a divided team win a match? Then how can divided Country be successful?”
Mr. Gandhi also shared the major issues India is facing, especially unemployment, farmer issues and the necessity of a second Green Revolution in the Country.
Winding up his speech, Mr. Gandhi asked for the help of the non resident Indians (NRIs) to make a better India and said, the future of India is connected with the NRIs.
After his visit to Dubai, Mr. Gandhi is expected to visit Abu Dhabi, the capital of the U.A.E., today (Saturday.)
LIVE: Congress President @RahulGandhi addresses Indian diaspora in Dubai. #RahulGandhiInDubai https://t.co/HKtxhaZnzZ
— Congress (@INCIndia) January 11, 2019
It is impossible for our great country to be strong if it is divided: Congress President @RahulGandhi #RahulGandhiInDubai pic.twitter.com/9UdxAx2psQ
— Congress (@INCIndia) January 11, 2019
