Upcoming polls another fight for freedom: Priyanka Gandhi at rally

Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi chose the state of Gujarat and the 89th anniversary of the Dandi March to address her first public rally since her debut in active politics. She said the 2019 Lok Sabha polls would be yet another freedom struggle in India.

"These polls are like freedom struggle and we all have to fight," the Congress scion said while addressing a rally near Adalaj village in Gandhinagar, "The voice for freedom from British Raj was raised from Gujarat by Mahatma Gandhi, and the voice for one more fight for freedom must be raised from Gujarat again."

She added that this was her first visit to the state and she had visited Sabarmati Ashram in morning. "When I was listening to the prayers while sitting under a tree, my eyes welled up," she said. "My only thought was about the people who sacrificed everything to fight for their country's freedom. This country stands on the foundation of love, harmony and respect for all, the tenets established by our freedom fighters."

She urged the people of Gujarat to vote for their future and not any individual. "The welfare of youth, women, the poor and farmers are the real issues," Priyanka said, "Many non-issues will be tossed over the next two months to distract you. The nature of India is to change hatred into love; exhibit your patriotism by voting for your future."

Due to the delay in Congress leaders reaching the rally, she kept her speech short; but raised issues such as unmet promises made by the NDA government, black money and security of women.