Congress President Rahul Gandhi’s interacted with students of Stella Maris Women College in Chennai. Here are the brief snippets.
“Don’t call me Sir, call me Rahul I feel much more comfortable that way,” Said Rahul at the start of the Q&A. On being asked what he learnt from his mother he said “humility”. “And the ability to put myself in others shoes and understand them. For eg right now I am here (high up on the stage), I don’t like this, I would be more comfortable if I was there (down with the audience) in your place or you were here so we can understand each other better.”
On Education, Mr Gandhi said, the government currently spends very little on Education. Our plan is to spend 6% of GDP on education. There is place for private institutions but government should take responsibility of quality higher education largely. In addition government should allow educational institutions to be place where ideas can flourish, freedom to challenge ideas. There should be no imposition or control on student’s freedom of speech and expression.
On women empowerment, safety he said mindset have to change. Nobody should tell you that you are a women so you can’t do this. Women equality is at least better in South India than North (the crowd cheers) but wait, wait. It’s not enough. I still don’t see enough women in Parliament, Vidhan Sabha. In 2019, we will pass the women reservation bill, and 33% in govt jobs to make a start.
Student: You didn’t mention Robert Vadra among other names (of corrupt businessmen).
RG (with a stern face): What about him? Govt is free to investigate anybody. Investigate him. But investigate all, including the PM. His name is clearly mentioned in papers. Proof of his corruption is unlimited. The CBI Director was about to investigate, suddenly middle of the night he was thrown out by the government. SC then ordered, no bring him back, but he was removed again. PM must be investigated.
After a brief pause, seemingly miffed by the question, Mr. Gandhi spoke again, “How many times have you seen the Prime Minister come and stand in front of a crowd of 3000 women like this and face any question? How many of you have got opportunity to ask Mr. PM what is your view on education? Why doesn’t he have the guts to face questions?”
Crowd cheers again.
Student: Hey Rahul, hello.
RG: Hello (smiles)
S: What according to you is biggest hindrance to growth?
RG: Crony capitalism. Lack of vision, and social unrest. Growth cannot happen when there’s mood of anger. NE is burning, we have to change the mood, not lean in on any side. India has to understand its place in international stage.
Student: How would you curb terrorism?
When we took over in 2004 Kashmir was burning. We had programs, Udaan to get youth jobs, SHGs for women businesses. Panchayati Raj. In 9 yrs we eradicated terrorism. Modi made alliance with PDP it again destroyed all work. Pushed away Kashmiris. It is no good saying 40 jawans died so we’d attack Pak. Why did you not do enough to stop the attack, and save those jawans? Modi govt has no thought out strategy, actions are taken to gain brownie points. We have to understand Pak will do everything to cause terrorism, it is govt’s responsibility to prevent that.”
Anchor: last Q from light music club
RG: Don’t ask me to sing
Q: Hello, why did you hug the PM?
RG: I was hearing his speech, all that anger towards my father, mother, grand mother. I felt bad. This man is not able to see beauty, affection. On my part i should show him affection. No, you all are laughing but it’s true. I honestly feel the PM for whatever unfortunate reasons have not been loved the way he should have had. Those who haven’t been love, cannot show affection to others.”
