Place emphasis on weaker sections of society: Rahul

Amid concern over recent incidents of intolerance, Rahul Gandhi today stressed that the nation belongs to people hailing from all religions and castes and focus should be laid on the weaker sections of the society "if everyone is to stay happily in the country".
"Congress' ideology tells us that this country belongs to all...To (people) of each religion, caste and individual. All should live with respect and sense of brotherhood.
"And if we want everyone to stay happily, then the weaker ones, oppressed ones, who don't get space, they need to be given priority," Gandhi said before flagging off a procession at Red Fort Ground here on the occasion of birth anniversary of Maharshi Valmiki.

Assuring Congress' complete support to their welfare, Gandhi said he wanted to see the youth of the Valmiki community get educated and take up professions in other spheres, too.
"You are no less than soldiers and I know you work like a force. But I also want that your children get options, education and are able to do other works as well,"Gandhi said.
Gandhi also lauded Maharshi Valmiki for "telling the world about Lord Rama".

Party MP Deepender Singh Hooda, who was also present at the event, said Gandhi's presence during the rally will send across a message to "fissiparous forces" that the nation belonged to all.

"His presence here will send across message to fissiparous forces which divide country to attain political goals that this country belongs to all, all communities are equal. That they can create a prosperous India," Hooda said.
Former Union Ministers (and also Delhi Congress chief) Ajay Maken and Jagdish Tytler, state party unit chief spokesperson Sharmistha Mukherjee and representatives of the community were also in attendance at the event.