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

You can't have a negative, fearful atmosphere in the country and expect economic growth, which is directly related to the mood of the country, Congress president Rahul Gandhi said on Tuesday.

Addressing women students at the Stella Maris College in Chennai, he said the Congress will change the mood of the country and make people feel happy and empowered.

Rahul Gandhi, who asked students to refer to him as Rahul, said the law must apply to everybody 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 brought up the issue of the Rafale deal and reiterated his allegations about the pricing of the aircraft and the process.

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

Rahul Gandhi said the Congress would pass the women's reservation bill it if it comes to power.

"Don't see enough women in leadership positions. You cannot have women in power in India until attitude towards them changes," he told the cheering crowd.

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

He asked the gathering, "Did you like demonetisaton?" When the audience answered, "No", he said, "I think it's pretty clear the damage demonetisaton did. PM should have taken your advice." Rahul Gandhi, who asked the students to challenge him and "make him uncomfortable", also questioned whether the prime minister could stand in a large audience and answer people's questions.