Rahul attacks Modi, Naveen on unemployment

Balasore: Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Friday hit out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik over unemployment issue.

“Has Modi government given jobs to unemployed youths? Has Naveen Patnaik government provided jobs to unemployed youths?” asked Gandhi while addressing an election rally in Balasore Lok Sabha constituency.

“Around 22 lakh government jobs are lying vacant. We will provide jobs to the youths within a year if voted to power. Besides, we will create 10 lakh jobs in the panchayat level,” said Rahul.

He assured that NYAY scheme will reduce poverty and help to generate employment opportunities for the people.

“Under the NYAY scheme, Rs 72,000 will be given annually to five crore families and 25 crore poor people in the country. Poor states like Bihar and Odisha will get the benefits under the scheme. This is the surgical strike on poverty,” said Gandhi.

Rahul said that the Congress, if comes to power in Odisha, will increase the minimum support price of paddy to Rs 2600 per quintal.

He also said the Congress government would ensure that no farmer will be sent to jail for defaulting on loans.