Infighting, corruption highlight of LDF rule: Rahul Gandhi

Launching the Lok Sabha poll campaign of the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) in Kerala, AICC General Secretary Rahul Gandhi on Thursday (March 5) attacked the Communist Party of India (Marxist)-led Left Democratic Front (LDF) state government saying it had failed to implement “pro-people programmes due to infighting and corruption”. Addressing the final day of the 25-day-long ‘Save Kerala March’ led by KPCC president Ramesh Chennithala at Sanghumugham beach near here, Gandhi said LDF had failed to deliver the goods despite the UPA at the Centre providing schemes totaling Rs 40,000 crore to the state. In sharp contrast, UPA had been able to prove that there was no contradiction between achieving growth and helping the poor. “In fact, when there is inclusive growth, the growth can be faster,” he said. Expressing concern over the fallout on thousands of Keralites working in the Gulf due to global downturn, he asked party leaders to work out a package to help the returnees. He said since his take over of youth and student outfits of the party, plans had been put in place to ensure greater role for youth in politics and strengthening internal democracy in Youth Congress and NSUI. Hailing Kerala’s social and communal harmony, Gandhi said both the nation and the Congress had learnt many lessons from the state.