Congress V-P Rahul Gandhi calls for change in Tripura

KHAYERPUR: Congress V-P Rahul Gandhi has exhorted Tripura voters to oust the ruling Left Front government in the assembly polls on Thursday. In his first public meeting after assuming the office of the Congress vice-president, Gandhi said it was time for change. "CPM organisations siphon off funds allocated by the Centre. Change has swept Russia, Hungary and Czechoslovakia. In India, change has ousted the Left Front governments of West Bengal and Kerala. It is time for change in Tripura."

Gandhi addressed four poll rallies in Khayerpur. "Recently, I was in China and the communist there asked me why communist in India do not change or understand the changed situation. In Tripura, one cannot draw benefits of government schemes or employment unless one is a CPM cadre or the relative of Left Front leaders," Gandhi alleged.

Gandhi accused the Left Front of depriving the state of the benefits of development funds provided by the Centre and using the same to the benefit of party organisation and members. "How will you send your children to a school where teachers are appointed on party consideration rather than merit? What education will children receive if the teacher is busy in party activities...?