Rahul seeks partnerships to build new India

In this context, he recalled the contribution of former chief minister S.M. Krishna, who was present on dais, in putting Bangalore on the global IT map by facilitating the growth and expansion of the IT industry across the state.

Asserting that the ruling party was for equitable growth and development of all sectors, especially agriculture, manufacturing and services, Gandhi said the party was ready to partner with anyone who wants to invest, create jobs, build schools, colleges, factories, houses, hospitals and infrastructure.

"We (Congress and UPA) believe in social justice and swear by that India cannot become a super power unless its 700 million people are lifted above poverty and empowered to live a dignified life without discrimination on the basis of caste, creed and religion," he said.

Taking potshots at the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party, which was in power in Karnataka for five years (2008-13), Gandhi lamented that its government squandered the people's mandate and turned a garden city like Bangalore into a garbage city.

"BJP netas (leaders) talk about India shining, Gujarat model of development and making the country a super power, but look the other way when they come to Karnataka where its government ruined the state, looted its mineral wealth (iron ore) worth Rs.100,000 crore and broke a world record in corruption that resulted in its former chief minister and a few cabinet ministers being jailed," he said.