Not affected by criticism: Rahul Gandhi

Kaptanganj (UP), Feb 6 (ANI): Congress General Secretary Rahul Gandhi has said he is not affected by criticism or sarcasm.

Gandhi said he has been made an object of ridicule because of his constant interactions with the general public, but added that he would continue to do so.

"The other politicians make fun of me saying that Rahul Gandhi has gone mad. Even the biggest politicians say that Rahul Gandhi is putting up a drama. They don't seem to understand. I am youth, I have understood this thing that the people have knowledge, they understand. If you want to understand something, go among the people. Don't listen to others and bureaucrats. Talk to the farmers and the labourers. When I do this, these people say that all this is drama. This is a good drama, I like it, I shall continue it," Gandhi told a gathering here.

Gandhi also accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of failing to reach out to the people of the state during their tenure in power.

"They (BJP) made the slogan 'India Rising.' They ruled for five years and then gave out the slogan in English that goes 'India Shining." Now you tell me, in 2004, was India shining? Was your village shining? Was there any shine in your school? Was there any shine in your house? Was there any shine in the farmer's farm?" he said.

Political rivals Mayawati and Mulayam Singh Yadav were also criticized for pushing an autocratic form of politics.

"If you go to your Chief Minister (Mayawati) then your Chief Minister will say that she has been ruling for the last five years, there is no need for her to go among the people. Now you tell me, in the last five years, have you seen Mayawatiji and Mulayam Singh Yadavji in your village? You might have seen them one time. ------- Did they ever drink the water from the well in your house? Maybe Mulayam Singh Yadavji met you all about 15-20 years ago. He has also shown me the way as well because he used to do this. But now he does not do this anymore," said Gandhi.

The polls in Uttar Pradesh are being viewed as an opportunity for major parties to re-establish their foothold in the country's fifth largest and most populous state.

Polls in Uttar Pradesh will be conducted between February 8 and March 3. Counting will take place on March 6.

A new 403-member state assembly will be elected in March. The poll results will broadly indicate trends for the 2014 general elections. (ANI)