Smriti questions land sale to Rajiv Gandhi Trust

Attacking Rahul Gandhi on his home turf, Union Minister Smriti Irani on Sunday questioned the alleged sale of land meant for a bicycle factory here to a trust run by his family.

Irani alleged that 60 acres of land allotted during Rajiv Gandhi’s tenure in Amethi for setting up a cycle manufacturing company is now taken over by a trust run by Congress president Sonia Gandhi.

The Congress dismissed her "land grab" allegation as "wild and baseless". Smriti  accused Rahul Gandhi of “ignoring” real issues affecting people of Amethi. Referring to Rahul’s “pyjama” and “suit-boot ki sarkar” remarks, Smriti –who was addressing a meeting in Rahul’s constituency- asked the Congress leader not to cross the limits.

Irani, who unsuccessfully contested the 2014 elections against Rahul at Amethi, scoffed at the Congress’ leader’s speech in Lok Sabha during the “Lalitgate debate”.

“Rahul reads from notes even when he has to speak for one and a half minute,” she said, adding that Prime Minister Narendra Modi could speak for one and a half hour extempore.  She challenging Rahul for a debate on issues confronting the nation.

On the occasion, Irani also announced insurance for 25000 women -5000 each from five Assembly segments of Amethi provided at an annual premium of Rs 12.  She also announced that the Centre would release funds to convert Amethi-Raebareli and Amethi-Unchahar railway lines into double lines.

Irani, seen handing over cash to a few women she met, vowed to return to the constituency until the people’s problems are addressed. Her visit comes days after Rahul Gandhi’s two-day trip, when he attacked Modi government for shielding former IPL commissioner Lalit Modi.