Rahul promises to create 100 mn jobs

Kohima, March 27 (IANS) Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi Thursday promised to create "100 million jobs" for the unemployed youth of the northeastern states if his party again comes to power at the centre.

"Our party is committed to create 100 million jobs for youth in the region if it retains power," Gandhi said at a huge rally here in the capital of Nagaland.

The Congress leader was campaigning for his party candidate K.V. Pusa contesting the April 9 Lok Sabha polls for the lone Nagaland parliamentary constituency.

Gandhi, however, said the creation of the jobs could only take place if the northeast has good connectivity with the rest of India.

"The next (Congress) government will focus more on road, rail, air and technological connectivity to remove barriers of movement in the region," he said.

He blamed Chief Minister Nephiu Rio, also the Naga People's Front candidate for the seat, for the backwardness of the state.

The Congress leader assured people that his party would look into all possible means to bring development and prosperity to the state.

"I was never taught to give false promises, but whatever I will promise, I will surely fulfill it," he said.

On the Naga insurgency issue, Gandhi said he won't make false promises, but assured the people that the UPA government would work towards peace and harmony in Nagaland.