Giving son Rahul to people of Rae Bareli: Sonia Gandhi

Raebareli (UP): Congress leader Sonia Gandhi said on Friday that she is giving her son to the people of Rae Bareli and "Rahul will not disappoint you".

She also thanked the people for giving her an opportunity to serve them as an MP for 20 years. "My everything is all given by you. So, brothers and sisters, I am giving you my son. You consider me yours," she said.

Trying to strike an emotional chord with the voters, Sonia asked the people to consider Rahul Gandhi too as their own. Rahul will not disappoint you, said Sonia Gandhi, as Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi stood by her side on the stage at a joint election rally here.

"I taught the same lessons to Rahul and Priyanka which Indira Gandhi and the people of Rae Bareli had taught me. To respect all, protect the weak, fight against injustice for the rights of people. Don't be afraid, because your roots of struggle and traditions are very deep," she said.

Sonia Gandhi was first elected as an MP from Rae Bareli in 2004 and represented the seat till earlier this year when she vacated it on getting elected as a member of the Rajya Sabha. Rahul Gandhi is in fray from the Rae Bareli constituency this time. Sonia Gandhi also thanked the people of Rae Bareli for electing her.

"You gave me a chance to serve you as MP for 20 years. This is the biggest asset of my life," she said. Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav, along with other senior leaders of the Congress and the SP, was also present on the stage at the rally.