Mining will resume as soon as Congress comes to power: Rahul Gandhi in Curchorem

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Friday said the iron ore mining in Goa will be resumed as soon as his party comes to power in the state after the Assembly elections.

Speaking at a public meeting in Curchorem constituency, which is a part of the mining belt, Rahul Gandhi said, "Congress will restart the mining industry as soon as the party forms government.

He questioned the seriousness of the ruling BJP's assurance that mining will be resumed within six months.

"BJP leaders say that they will resume mining. Then why didn't they do it in the last five years?" he asked.

Gandhi also said that all projects which are detrimental to the coastal state's interests will be scrapped, including three projects which would affect the Mollem Wildlife Sanctuary.

The Congress leader also blamed the BJP for `rampant unemployment' in the state, claiming that the policies of the Union government affected the small and medium industries, leading to this situation.

"Everyone should get justice. Hence we have decided to restart mining to create employment and give justice to those dependent on mining for livelihood," he said.

Rahul Gandhi said India's top 100 billionaires have as much wealth as 40 per cent of the country's population.

"In India, on the one hand, there are billionaires and on the other hand there are unemployed. Today, India's richest 100 persons have as much money as 40 per cent of the Indian population. On the one hand, there is 40 per cent of India's population and on the other hand, 100 billionaires. Today, 90 percent profit goes to 20 businesses," Gandhi said.

Polling to the 40-member Goa Assembly will be held on February 14.