Rahul Gandhi: You can't have negative atmosphere and expect economic growth

Chennai, Mar 13 You can't have a negative, frightful environment in the nation and expect economic growth, which is specifically identified with the state of mind of the nation, Congress president Rahul Gandhi said on Tuesday.

Addressing women students at the Stella Maris College here, he said the Congress will change the state of mind of the nation and make people feel happy and empowered.

Gandhi, who asked students to refer to him as Rahul, said the law must apply to everyone and not be applied selectively.

He said this in response to a question on his brother-in-law Robert Vadra.

In his informal interaction with the students, he also raised the issue of the Rafale bargain and reiterated his allegations about the pricing of the aircraft and the process.

"I will be the first person to state it... investigate Robert Vadra yet in also investigate Prime Minister Narendra Modi," he said.

Gandhi said the Congress would pass the ladies' booking charge it in the event that it comes to control.

"Try not to see enough ladies in administration positions. You can't have ladies in power in India until frame of mind towards them transforms," he told the cheering crowd.

In response to a question, he said he had took in the exercises of humility and love from his mother Sonia Gandhi.

He asked the gathering, "Did you like demonetisaton?" When the audience answered, "No", he stated, "I believe it's quite clear the harm demonetisaton did. PM should have taken your advice."

Gandhi, who requested that the students provoke him and "make him awkward", also questioned whether the PM could remain in an expansive crowd and answer people's questions.