NEW DELHI/AMETHI, 10 November 2004 — Congress MP Rahul Gandhi, who is on a four-day visit to Amethi, his Lok Sabha constituency, to get a first-hand knowledge of the people’s problems, also used the opportunity to air his views on certain personal as well as political issues.
When asked to comment on Shiv Sena leader Bal Thackeray’s “offer” of finding a Indian bride for him, Rahul replied: “I shall definitely consider the recommendation of Thackeray.” However, not taking Thackeray’s offer lightly, Rahul commented that the Shiv Sena leader should concentrate on “doing something” for Maharashtra instead of looking for a bride for him.
Thackeray had not spared Rahul, while taking a dig at Congress leader Sonia Gandhi’s “foreign origin,” during his speech recently. He had said: “Rahul will marry a foreign girl ... like another Sonia… We can find him a wife if he finds it so difficult.”
On whether he would be “seeing” the girl “recommended” by Thackeray, Rahul emphatically said: “No.”
Saying that as he was “still learning,” Rahul said though he was “open to suggestions and proposals from any quarters on any matter… Even if someone abuses me I shall hear it but the decision would be mine.”
The first-time parliamentarian might be “still learning” the art of politics, but does not seem a novice in hurling political missiles at anti-Congress parties.
Rejecting the Samajwadi Party’s claim that it was responsible for BJP’s downfall in Uttar Pradesh, Rahul told reporters that the credit goes to Congress. “The Congress has crushed the BJP in the whole of country including Uttar Pradesh,” Rahul said.
Rahul, however, evaded a direct reply when asked about allegations and counterallegations being traded between the two parties despite supporting each other at the center and the state.
Lashing out at the BJP for raising the Ayodhya issue, Rahul said: “The BJP wants to occupy the seat of power by dividing the society on the basis of religion and caste. It is in fact not working for the country.”
“The BJP would not be able to play the temple card now as the people of the country have come to know its real intention. That is why differences have cropped up even in the party (BJP) on the issue,” Rahul said.
