You don't belong here: Amethi farmers protest against Rahul Gandhi
What's the story
Congress President Rahul Gandhi, who started a two-day visit to his constituency Amethi on Wednesday, was slammed by farmers. The farmers raised slogans against the Congress scion asking him to "return to Italy" as he doesn't "deserve to be here", reports ANI. They demanded that either land given to Rajiv Gandhi Foundation is returned to them or they are provided jobs. Here's what happened.
Issue
Backstory: The case dates back to 1980s
The farmers staged a protest at Samrat Cycle factory, which was inaugurated by former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi when he was Amethi's MP. In the 1980s, the Jain brothers took 65.57 acres of land to set up and run a company. After its failure, the land was auctioned in 2014. For loan recovery, Debts Recovery Tribunal got the land auctioned for Rs. 20.10 crore.
Auction
Later, the auction was termed invalid by UPSIDC
The Rajiv Gandhi Charitable Trust had paid stamp duty of Rs. 1,50,000 for the land purchased in the auction. But later, the UP State Industrial Development Corporation (UPSIDC) termed the land auction process invalid. Subsequently, Gauriganj SDM Court ordered that the land is returned to Samrat Cycles. While UPSIDC is the owner of the land on paper, Rajiv Gandhi Charitable Trust still occupies it.
Quote
Rahul Gandhi grabbed our lands, says one protester
The farmers were clearly upset. One of the protesters told ANI, "We are very upset with Rahul Gandhi. He should go back to Italy. He does not deserve to be here. Rahul has grabbed our land."
Amethi visit
Meanwhile, RaGa attacked PM Modi over Rafale deal again
RaGa, who visited Amethi, for campaigning for general elections attacked Prime Minister Narendra Modi over Rafale again. Reiterating his allegations of a shoddy defense deal, RaGa said PM Modi took money from the farmers and gave it to businessmen. About the upcoming elections, RaGa said Congress will put up a good fight in the UP. He said an alliance will form government at Centre.
Announcement
Congress' trump card, Priyanka Gandhi, gets important post in UP
On Wednesday, RaGa also gave his sister Priyanka Gandhi Vadra a key post in UP. She was made the general secretary for UP East, marking her plunge into active politics. Taking on BJP, RaGa said he hadn't sent Priyanka to UP for only two months. He expressed confidence on her and added she would revive the Congress ideology in the state.