Unfazed by criticism from various quarters, Congress General Secretary Rahul Gandhi today stuck to his controversial remarks on people from Uttar Pradesh begging in other states, terming it as an "unpleasant truth".
Embarking on a 5-day tour of the poll-bound state, he said when he makes a reference to begging it is opposed by all but there is an urgent need to see this "kadvi sachchi" (unpleasant truth).
The state has been left behind in development and people of Uttar Pradesh will continue to go to other states in search of employment, Gandhi said.
"Political leaders should pull down the glass windows of their cars and look around. I do it", he said addressing a political rally here.
"When I finds people begging on the streets of Delhi , I pull down the windows of my car and ask them as to where they belong to and get the answer that they belong to Uttar Pradesh," he said.
The Congress leader said that leaders should ask those who seek alms and they will know the reality of Uttar Pradesh.
Rahul came under attack from his opponents political over his remarks at the Phulpur rally on November 14 when he said people from Uttar Pradesh go to beg in states like Maharashtra because of lack of development in their state.
The Congress had dismissed the criticism as a reflection of opposition's "restlessness" over its "rise".
Gandhi said the state has been left behind in development and people from there will continue to go to other states in search of employment.
