Panji (Goa): Kickstarting the Congress’ poll campaign in Goa, where Assembly elections are due early next year, party leader Shri Rahul Gandhi on October 30, 2021, asserted that the assurances that his party gives in its election manifesto is not just a commitment but a “guarantee”.

Shri Rahul Gandhi made a dramatic entry at Panji’s Azad maidan, riding on the pillion of a ‘pilot’ – a traditional motorcycle taxi in Goa. He laid wreaths at the Martyrs column in Azad maidan and left to meet the fishermen community in Velsao, a nearby village.

Addressing the fishing community, Shri Rahul Gandhi said, “Idea of this programme is to speak to you people. I want to hear what is in your heart.”

On how he plans to take on the BJP in the upcoming elections, Congress leader said his objective is “to become the voice of the people of Goa” and protect their interests. He said that the party wants to emphasize on the message of “listening to the people and addressing their concerns”. Shri Rahul Gandhi said Congress’ poll manifesto will be “open and transparent” and will be decided after speaking with different stakeholders in the state, with special focus on environmental protection.

“During the UPA government, international fuel prices reached $140 per barrel. Today, fuel prices are much lower in the international market but still, you pay more. Today India is taxing fuel at the highest rate in the world,” he said. “At around 54 percent, India’s tax on fuel is among the highest in the world,” he added.

Shri Gandhi claimed that the Congress party has delivered on what they promised in their manifestoes while asking for people’s votes.

“We fought elections in Chhattisgarh and promised to waive the loan of farmers and we did it. You can go and confirm it in Punjab and Karnataka as well. Whatever goes in our manifesto is a guarantee, not only a promise,” Shri Rahul Gandhi said.

The Congress leader also alleged that while the BJP “indulges in hatred and divides people”, the Congress “spreads love and affection”, as it believes in uniting people and taking them forward. “I want to make very clear what the difference between the BJP and the Congress is. The Congress believes in uniting India’s people and taking them forward. For us, every single Indian has the right to be given the space that he requires,” Shri Gandhi said, addressing the gathering.

Later he also held a meeting of senior Congress leaders from Goa and held discussions with representatives of people affected by mining ban.

He also paid tributes to freedom fighters at the Azad Maidan memorial.