Sonia Gandhi to address rally in poll-bound Rajasthan today

Congress President Sonia Gandhi will address a rally in poll-bound Rajasthan today.

According to reports, the UPA chairperson will address an election rally in Rajasthan's Sikar district.

Gandhi had earlier asserted that Rajasthan is counted amongst the developed states, and added that it has become an educational hub because of the policies of the Congress Government.

"Today Rajasthan is counted amongst the developed states of India, it is due to the contribution of the Congress Party. Rajasthan has become an educational hub due to the policies of the Central Government," she said while addressing a rally in Kota.

"Keeping the welfare of people in mind, Ashok Gehlot-led Rajasthan Government started numerous progressive schemes for the state. We understand that a lot of people are unable to afford medical treatment, especially for the poor.

The Rajasthan Government, for the first time, has increased the pension amount, and implemented this scheme for all the elderly people," she added.

Highlighting various schemes of the Central Government, she said that these schemes were introduced keeping in mind the needs of the people.

"Under the leadership of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, we introduced many schemes that would benefit the people. In order to provide employment to people in rural areas, we started MNREGA, for the bright future of children, we introduced free education till the age of 14, and we passed the RTI act to put a check on corruption. To make sure that no one in this country remains hungry, we brought the Food Security Act," she said.

Addressing another rally in Dungarpur, Gandhi accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of making tall claims and consistently criticizing other political parties.

"We had promised to set up all women banks, and I am happy that we have fulfilled our promise. But our opposition does not see all what we have done for the welfare of the people, they only see power. BJP only believes in false admiration of itself and criticizing others. Let them criticize us, but we will continue to work for the welfare of the people," she added.

Rajasthan, which is currently governed by Congress Government, votes for a new assembly on December 1. The counting of votes will take place on December 8.