Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi on Monday criticised the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government's stand with regards to the Korba coal mines, stating that the mining of the area will leave the tribals, who are dependent on the land, helpless.
"[Prime Minister] Narendra Modi talks of development, makes tall promises. But what will happen to the tribes and their kids? If a mine comes up here, they will lose their jungle. Is this development?"
Gandhi said while addressing the farmers and tribals affected by coal mining in Madanpur village in Korba district.
"[Prime Minister] Narendra Modi says a coal mine is needed here, but tell me, what do the people here really need? This jungle belongs to you. If this jungle perishes, you will perish too. Your voice does not reach Delhi, even the media ignores you. But we, the Congress Party and me, are with you," he added.
Gandhi said the land of poor farmers in the adjoining areas of Delhi had been snatched away by the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Government in the name of development.
"Near Delhi, in Noida, they took land belonging to farmers and made a racing track. The farmers are in tears," said Gandhi.
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"The Congress wants development, but your needs, your water, your land will not be ignored in the name of development. We are not like the BJP; we won't raise slogans of 'murdabaad'. We will work, we will stand by you in your fight for justice," he added.
The Congress vice-president is presently on a two-day visit to Chhattisgarh during which he will meet the villagers affected by coal mining and power projects.
According to reports, he will partake in a 10 kilometre foot march with the farmers, Congress leaders and workers from Saradih village to Dabhra in the Janjgir-Champa district.