Priyanka Gandhi. (Source:Twitter/Congress) Priyanka Gandhi. (Source:Twitter/Congress)

PRIYANKA GANDHI Vadra, Congress general secretary for Uttar Pradesh-East, addressing her first ever rally in Gujarat on Tuesday attempted to steer the current political discourse on patriotism to issues surrounding youth, women and farmers.

“There is no bigger patriotism than your awareness,” she told the people. “Your awareness is a weapon. Your vote is a weapon… It is such a weapon that will make you strong.”

Telling people to focus on issues that mattered, Priyanka said, “The issues should be something that is important for you. How will youths get jobs; how will women feel safer; what will be done for farmers; these are issues related to elections and your awareness will help bring these issues forward.” Click here for more election news

VIDEO | Priyanka Gandhi targets PM Modi in first election speech

In a speech lasting about seven minutes, she addressed the audience in Hindi at the Jan Sankalp Rally held at Adalaj near Gandhinagar, in the presence of brother Rahul Gandhi, mother Sonia Gandhi and former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.

“Our institutions are being destroyed. Wherever you see, hatred is being spread,” she said, adding, “Nothing matters more to us than you and I protecting this nation, working for it and moving forward together.” It was in the nature of the country to convert hatred into love and compassion, she said.

Telling the gathering that they should think in depth about what the election was all about, she impressed upon them the importance of raising issues that concern their lives, in the days of political campaigning that lay ahead of the Lok Sabha elections.

Priyanka Gandhi said the present situation in the country was sad and asked the crowd to raise the correct questions in the elections and not frivolous issues. Priyanka Gandhi said the present situation in the country was sad and asked the crowd to raise the correct questions in the elections and not frivolous issues.

“Meaningless issues should not be raised,” she said.”You need to ask those who talk big and make big promises about the promises of providing two crore jobs,” she added, without naming her political rivals. “Ask them where is the Rs 15 lakh that was supposed to come to your (bank) accounts (after demonetisation)…Ask the right questions in this election.”

Speaking of the multiple issues that political leaders would try to raise during campaigning, Priyanka, said it was important for people to separate the wheat from the chaff. “Only your awareness will help build this country,” she said. “This is your responsibility. Your patriotism should reflect in this.”

Priyanka Gandhi in Gandhinagar on Tuesday. (Javed Raja) Priyanka Gandhi in Gandhinagar on Tuesday. (Javed Raja)

Speaking of her first visit to Gujarat and to Sabarmati Ashram, she said it was a emotional experience. “I am coming to Gujarat for the first time, and for the first time I went to the Ashram on the banks of the Sabarmati where Mahatma Gandhi had started the struggle for the country’s independence,” she said. “I cannot describe the emotions that I felt while sitting under the trees and listening to the bhajans there. It seemed tears would flow, because I thought of those freedom fighters who struggled and gave their lives for the country. As I sat there, it occurred to me that this country has been built on love, goodwill, mutual love. I feel sad seeing whatever is happening in the country today.”

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