New Delhi:
Dimple Yadav, Lok Sabha MP and her husband Akhilesh, the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, addressed a FICCI event in Delhi.
Dimple was wearing black blouse with elbow-length sleeves, a maroon sari, her trademark low bun. Akhilesh was in a white kurta-pyjama with a black jacket. Dimple spoke first.
Here are the highlights of what they said:
Dimple Yadav:- We are mothers, we run a country and educate in our own way. We have examples like Capt Lakshmi Sahgal, Rani Lashmi Bai Maria Montessori and Mother Teresa.
- Akhilesh understanding, I am compromising.
Akhilesh Yadav:- My wife spoke first, I will finish.
- I will speak in Hindi.
- Want UP to be recognised for its achievements. India is seen at par with other countries on so many levels.
- But there are huge areas for improvement, progress.
- I believe that if UP does well, India will prosper.
- I am here thanks to the elections. I thank Netaji and my party.
- We are a nation of 100 crore.
- Yesterday, we bid farewell to a lady president.
- I am happy to be here today - can see some familiar faces from those who were with me on the campaign trail - especially those friends from the media.
- I want the country to prosper - to reach a level on a global platform.
- On Baghpat Khap: Whatever should happen should happen for the betterment of society. I firmly believe that no one has the right to curb anyone's freedom. Whatever Khap or panchayat directives are, they should be in the larger interest of society. We are not silent on khaps. If decisions are taken that curb freedom, we will act against them. (Read: Cellphones, evening walks banned by Baghpat khap)
- We have a curfew in Bareilly, we have issues there, curfew is for the security of people, it is a question of perception. We will take time to change many things in UP. I assure you that Uttar Pradesh will go on the right path, we won by a huge majority after independence.
- I do agree that there is always a bit of conflict between the new generation and the older generation.
- But young people have innovation. The older generation has experience. It's best to work together.
- During UP elections, we wanted to tour the state through cycles. Our older generation leaders said these kids will die in the heat. But we really wanted to do it and I felt this is the right age to do it
- When I was in Noida, I came agree these huge stone monuments (Maya memorial ), so much police was on the road that I felt that I would manage to make it. But I had to walk 90 km on the first day itself. It was difficult but it got me into power.
- I was asked by the Planning Commission - how have you pegged UP's growth target to 10%.
- People always say two states are doing well. One of them is Delhi. When it comes to ranking states, many people say the state you are referring to (Gujarat) is doing very well. It may well be the case, but I don't think we should read too much into these articles or statements.
- Whenever I walk into my room all my kids are doing is watching cartoons like nick etc. I am trying to inculcate Indian values into them too. I bought a new version of Ramayana for them too. I think my children need to know about the Indian way of life.
- On FDI: Netaji has said that farmers and small shopkeepers interests should be protected. Many stores have already come in. Was someone able to stop them? No.
- All states want investment. Many states want FDI. We are not against FDI. When FDI in retail comes , the farmer should not be harmed.
- On Saifai: Many of you have not gone to Saifai. Saifai is no longer just our village. Now there is a super specialty hospital. Everyone is benefiting. We got a stadium because Atal Behari Vajpayee had sanctioned it many years ago.
- On electricity problems in UP: Electricity is our priority, I know that if I cannot fix it, the people will vote us out in the next elections. We have a problem in generation. There are no power cuts in Noida and Greater Noida. But our distribution system is very weak. We have to improve that. I have blacklisted companies that supplied transformers.
- We know we have to focus on Rural Education and Health. We have taken some steps, more needs to be done.