Jaipur, Sep 22 (IANS): United Progressive Alliance (UPA) chairperson Sonia Gandhi Sunday warned that the opposition was interested in nothing but power, and warned people against them while addressing a large gathering in Rajasthan.

Gandhi was in the state to lay the foundation stone for the Chambal-Bhilwara drinking water project and a Mainline Electric Multiple Unit (MEMU) coach factory at Asind in Bhilwara district, some 250 km from Jaipur.

"All they care about is power. For this, they are indulging in conspiracies. People should stay warned," Gandhi said.

She said that despite the several commendable welfare schemes launched by the UPA government, the opposition spread rumours and pointed fingers at the government.

"I want to ask them: Who stopped them from launching welfare schemes when they were in power? Why didn't they do it?" Gandhi asked.

She accused the opposition of creating hurdles to the food security bill.

"We introduced it to root out the problem of malnutrition and hunger from the country," Gandhi said.

The UPA chairperson also praised various government schemes, including the Right to Information, the land acquisition bill and the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) launched by the government.

"We have provided scholarship to lakhs of talented youth. Girls were given priority. We have also worked towards women's empowerment," Gandhi said.

She said that the Chambal-Bhilwara project will end the problem of shortage of drinking water in the area.

"Youth will get employment and the region will witness growth and development after opening up of the MEMU coach factory," said Gandhi.

Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot also addressed the gathering.

Earlier Sunday, Gandhi laid the foundation stone of a Rs.37,000 crore, nine million tonnes per annum capacity refinery and petrochemical complex at Pachpadra in Rajasthan's Barmer district.