Senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi today addressed two public meetings in tribal-dominated Seoni and Shahdol, kickstarting his campaign in Madhya Pradesh.

In his address, Mr Gandhi mentioned the promises made in the Congress manifesto. He announced loan waiver for farmers, implementation of MSP, giving Rs 1 lakh annually to women under the Mahalakshmi scheme and starting an apprenticeship scheme for youth.

He said the Congress government will discontinue the Agniveer scheme. He also promised removal of contract job system. Mr Gandhi also talked about doubling SC and ST scholarships and implementing the Sixth Schedule in tribal-dominated areas.

At a public meeting in Dhanaura of Seoni district  Rahul said, tribals are the first owners of this country and this land and so, the Congress party calls you an Adivasi. On the other hand the BJP, Prime Minister Modi and Amit Shah call them Vanvasi.