Sonia blames Maya for swindling of NRHM funds

Even as Central Bureau of Investigation investigators were busy unfolding the much talked about National Rural Health Mission scam in Uttar Pradesh, Congress president Sonia Gandhi on Sunday pointedly blamed the Mayawati government for large scale swindling of the Rs 9000 crore given to the state for augmentation of health services for the poor and the downtrodden across the state's vast rural expanse under the program.

Addressing an election rally in Saharanpur, she said, "We had given UP a huge sum of Rs 9000 crore for improvement of health services for the poor and the under privileged across the vast rural expanse of the state, but the funds were pilfered by the Bahujan Samaj Party government, that was now trying to shield  the culprits."

She alleged, "The same story was repeated with MNREGA funds too, and the culprits were allowed to get away with murder."

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The Congress president added, "I am aware that  the people of  UP are angry with this party as well with other parties like Samajwadi Party and the Bharatiya Janata Party; and the time has come to teach them all a lesson."

She said, "The Congress is not like other parties who believe in making all kinds of promises. We believe in doing sincere work."

Highlighting how the state had suffered during the past 22 years of non-Congress rule, Gandhi said, "Every person wants development and upliftment of the weaker sections, who have been betrayed for the past 22 years. Clearly, the state has suffered badly during the past two decades when it was ruled by SP, BSP and BJP."

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She asked the audience, "What did you get here in the past 22 years? Did you get proper electricity and water? Do you have proper roads here? Are your children able to get proper education? Are the fertilisers and seeds available for farmers? Has any new Industries have come up in UP? How many youth in the state are able to get a job here? Are you happy with the law and order situation in UP?" Tthe crowds responded with a thundering 'no'.

While claiming that the Congress party alone believed in fighting corruption, she accused the Mayawati regime of being "synonymous with corruption."

Focusing on the local issues of Saharanpur, that was widely known for its wood carving cottage industry, the Congress president said, "Apart from various other issues, we also understand the problems being faced by them local artisans and manufacturers. And let me assure you that your problems will be solved once a Congress government is in place here."

"I am here to seek your support to accomplish the mission of Congress to change the state of affairs not only in and around this place but in entire Uttar Pradesh," she emphasised.