(Pics)Rahulji, you think industrial corridors make sense for the poor?

Bangalore, Nov 20:Rahul Gandhi may have been received with a roaring applause, but somehow there was an inkling as to what he may talk about (now that he has gotten rid of the 'Aadhi Roti' slogan).

If Modi is accused of celebrating the Gujarat development model everywhere, speaking about the 'sparkling' airports and a 'still-to-be-executed' industrial corridor project does make sense. But aren't we forgetting something Rahuji? Gujarat's model does not just include development for the class, but also for the mass.

Close to 9,000 villages in Gujarat have accessible drinking water and extremely good connectivity via roads, which are probably the best in the country.

Furthermore, it was the one to launch India's first micronutrient-mix food programme, aiming to reach children and pregnant women at their doorstep through various 'anganwaadis'. This was precisely a move to battle malnutrition in the state. In fact, Gujarat's Women and Child welfare department, under the Integrated Child Development Scheme, provided beneficiaries with ready-to-cook, pre-mix food, containing micro-nutrients for over 70 traditional Indian items.

In the year 2010, the state government had assigned a provision of Rs 730 crore for the nutritional food programme and Rs 150 crore for girls and pregnant women, which is said to be the first of its kinds in India.

Basic facilities like toilets and playgrounds have also been provided for the students at anganwadis across the state, which involved funds of Rs 100 crore.

Naturally, Modi connected to the mass successfully, speaking about development at the ground level. Rahul, however, needs some homework to understand that empty stomachs do not understand the language of infrastructure, especially when meeting two ends meet is difficult.

In Chittorgarh

Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi waves to crowd during an election campaign rally in Chittorgarh, Rajasthan on Tuesday.

In Bikaner

Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi meeting public during an election campaign rally in Bikaner on Tuesday.

In Bikaner

Crowd during Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi's election campaign rally in Bikaner on Tuesday.

In Bikaner

Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi at an election campaign meeting in Bikaner on Tuesday.

In Bikaner

Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi waves to crowd at an election campaign meeting in Bikaner on Tuesday. Rajasthan CM Ashok Gehlot is also seen.

In Bikaner

Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi waves to crowd at an election campaign meeting in Bikaner on Tuesday.

In Bikaner

Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi addresses an election campaign meeting in Bikaner on Tuesday.