Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said on Tuesday that Uttar Pradesh is a "victim of short sighted politics" but refrained from blaming its Chief Minister Mayawati for it.
"I do not want to blame Mayawatiji or Mulayam Singhji, but the fact is that the state (Uttar Pradesh) is not growing and I think it has much to give to the nation," he told reporters in Agartala. The All Indian Congress Committee general secretary was asked to comment on complaints by Mayawati against his surprise visit to the state on September 23. "UP is a large state and has the potential to be the most productive state, but it is the victim of short sighted politics. It is not acceptable that the state is not growing," he said.
Gandhi said more people from weaker sections like dalits and tribals should join politics and Youth Congress would always help them in it as they found it difficult because of their financial standards. Admitting that the Youth Congress and National Students Union of India organisations are weaker than the youth and student set ups of the Communist Party of India-Marxist in Tripura, he said those of the Congress would grow stronger as they have started working among the weaker sections, including tribals.
Gandhi addressed two conventions of the NSUI and Youth Congress at Manughat in North Tripura district and Agartala respectively. His scheduled trip to poll-bound Arunachal Pradesh was cancelled due to inclement weather.
Exclusive Interview/Brinda Karat