Rahul Gandhi slams Mayawati, Mulayam, says Congress will change future of UP

Accusing Mayawati and Mulayam Singh Yadav of playing caste politics, Rahul Gandhi today sought a change in power saying a "government of the poor" by Congress in Uttar Pradesh will change the future of the state.

Gandhi, who is on the second day of his five-day trip in the Samajwadi Party stronghold, alleged Mayawati government was corrupt and the money meant for poor does not reach them.

"Elephants normally eat leaves. But you have magic elephant in Lucknow which eats currency notes," he told a party rally here ahead of the Uttar Pradesh Assembly polls.

Seeking a five-year stint in power, he said corruption in UP government was affecting the future of the state as no employment opportunity is generated in the state.

"UPiites have built roads in Maharashtra, they work in Kerala, they help the farmers in Punjab...but they do not have roads, electricity or water in their villages. Who built the Delhi Metro? Who is working in Ladakh?

"Twenty-two years have gone by. What did you get? Mulayam Singh came. He talked about caste. Then Mayawati came. She also talked about caste. Give Congress five years. We will show that we can transform this state," he said, adding a government of the poor people will can change many things.

Noting that he was ridiculed for visiting villages and having food at poor people's houses, Gandhi said leaders who roam around in big vehicles do not think about the future.

"They won't talk to you. They won't come amidst you. They won't shake hands with you. They won't come to your house or have food. They will not drink water from your well. They sit in AC rooms. They won't talk about farmers.

"And when I come to your houses, have your food, I am ridiculed. They ask what happened to Rahul Gandhi. I see strength in you, in rural villages," he said.