Dhanbad, Nov 19 (IANS) Congress president Sonia Gandhi Friday asked the people of Jharkhand to vote for her party in the coming assembly elections so that the state could have a stable and corruption free government that would ensure development for the tribals.
“Jharkhand was formed for development. Development for tribal people while maintaining their tradition was imagined when a separate state was formed, but all the hopes got dashed due to political instability as the state witnessed five chief ministers in last eight years,” she said, addressing a rally this in coal city.

“For development, the state needs a stable and corruption-free government. Think seriously whom to vote for. Congress is the only party which does not believe in hollow promises,” she added.

The Congress president also said that displacement of people for projects was a major issue in the state and assured there would be no displacement without prior measures for rehabilitation of the affected people, if her party came to power.

“If Congress is voted to power, there would be no displacement without rehabilitation. People will be rehabilitated first. If you want the central schemes reach to you, vote for Congress,” she exhorted.

Gandhi also praised the president’s rule in the state indirectly. “Many steps have been taken in last few months for the people of the state. Job cards of NREGA have been distributed, food grains were distributed during the drought and many fair price shops were opened to ensure food grains at cheaper rates,” she said. President’s rule was imposed in January this year.

She also reminded people about the steps taken by the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government headed by the Congress. “The UPA government at the centre, headed by Congress, has taken many historic steps. These include the job guarantee schemes, waiver of loans of farmers, a separate ministry for minorities and 50 per cent reservation to women in panchayats,” she said.

After addressing a rally in Dhanbad, Gandhi went to Dumka, a tribal dominated district which goes to the poll in the first phase Nov 25.