Congress President and UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi while speaking to allies at a dinner to mark the completion of three years of UPA-II on Tuesday acknowledged that the UPA can secure another mandate only on the basis of the works done by it and not promises.
"I know these are difficult times but this is no reason to feel depressed. We faced a lot of challenges in the last year inside and outside the Parliament,” said Sonia Gandhi added.
Sonia Gandhi continued, “The achievement of UPA 2 is unique. MNREGA became more effective in UPA 2 while there was expansion of health insurance. It also helped the people in the unorganised sectors. The farming sector also became much more organized. Loans to farmers have been increased,” the UPA chairperson said.
“We are determined to remove the difficulties of women and the economically weaker section. We are united to progress economically,” Sonia Gandhi said.
Congress President and UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi while speaking to allies at a dinner to mark the completion of three years of UPA-II on Tuesday acknowledged that the UPA can secure another mandate only on the basis of the works done by it and not promises.
"We are also committed to protect our secular values, she said adding that it is vowed to remove the problems of women and weaker sections of society.
“We could introduce a new social concept and could give a new direction,” she said while starting her address. "UPA-II worked for the all sections of the society. Our Prime Minister explained our achievements in detail and so I will mention only about some of the points" added Sonia Gandhi.
Attacking the opposition as aggressive and irresponsible Sonia Gandhi said, “The opposition has been making very aggressive and irresponsible statements against us. But we were committed to our social service. We are focussed on progressive politics. We have always maintained etiquette and we know that we have a mandate to fulfill and we will do that. We have been trying to fulfill the expectations of the people who had reposed their faith on us,"
Congress President Sonia Gandhi on Saturday has praised the performance of the Assam government led by the Congress and the Chief Minister, Tarun Gogoi.
Sonia Gandhiwho attended the function to mark the first anniversary celebration of the third consecutive term of the Congress government in the state, met the state's Congress leadership also.
The Congress President said that when Gogoi assumed power, Assam was in shambles, and credited the incumbent government for the turnaround. "Eleven years back, when Tarun Gogoi formed the government, the state treasury was empty, there was not enough money to pay the salaries of government employees, development work was halted, there were no schemes, roads were broken, and power cuts were a normal thing. Also, people were scared to step out of their houses after sunset," Sonia Gandhi.
Sonia Gandhi added that militancy in the state had come down and that whatever groups were involved in violent activities would soon give up violence. The Congress leader also said that the state had taken major steps to improve education facilities in the province.
"Assam is the first state in the country which has given a computer to every student in high schools. There are many institutes for higher studies that have opened of late. These ensure that young men and women will lead a successful life and have a bright future," said Sonia Gandhi.
Congress President and UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi while speaking at a dinner to mark the completion of three years of UPA-II on Tuesday acknowledged that the UPA can secure another mandate only on the basis of the works done by it and not promises.
She said the Centre is funding the states much more than ever before. “The Centre is financing the states in a record manner so that bigger goals can be achieved,” Sonia Gandhi said.
"We have always shown our determination and collective goal. These days, there is a notion that there are several challenges for India's development. Definitely it is a tough period for all the countries and we are not an exception. But there is no scope for disappointment," she said. "We are together in ensuring the positive economic growth rate of the country," she added.
She said since UPA took charge of the government, India has been advancing on the growth map in a sustained manner because of which it has been able to provide money for projects of social and rural development. "Because of this the Centre has been able to give that kind of financial assistance to the state government which was never seen earlier," Sonia Gandhi said. She also stressed that the government has to sustain the momentum of this development.
"We are aware that only two years are left when we will be seeking a new mandate from the people. We are fully aware that the result of that will not depend on our promises but on the nature of work done by us," she said.
“We should continue our committed works to ensure the happiness and progress of the entire people in the country” concluded the Congress President.
Congress President and UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi attended the first anniversary celebrations of the third term of the Congress government in Assam. She congratulated Tarun Gagoi government in the state for the overall development and prosperity in the state.
Sonia Gandhi said that today is a day of celebration for the Congress party. 'But at the same time we realise the huge responsibility the people of Assam has reposed in us and we renew our pledge to serve them better to take them on the path of peace, development and prosperity,’ she reminded.
“I am very happy to be here in Assam and this occasion is more memorable as we celebrate the first anniversary of the third successive Congress-led government under the leadership of Taru Gagoi in the state. This proves that the people continue to trust us. We also realize that we have now the increased responsibility to serve people with more dedication and commitment,” added the Congress President.
Congress President and UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi had addressed a big election rally in Moradabad - also called Peetal Nagri – during her recent campaign for Congress in the lat UP assembly elections in Uttar Pradesh.
Sonia Gandhi referred to the various welfare scheme of the Congress led UPA Government at the Centre and said, “Despite all the problems, UPA Government has done a number of welfare schemes and policies for the people. We implemented Mahatma Gandhi NREGA policy to address the issue of unemployment in the villages by which every poor is guaranteed for a minimum of 100 days’ job every year”.
“The Congress led UPA government at the centre framed policies like Jawahar Lal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission to ensure house, water and roads, National Rural Health Mission to provide adequate health facilities for the poor, Sarva Siksha Abhiyan to ensure that every children in the age group of 6 to 14 get proper education, Mid-day meal scheme to ensure food to every children in the schools, Pradhanmantri Gram Sadak Yojana, opened up new Universities and implemented Rajiv Gandhi Electrification Scheme to provide electricity at every place,” added the Congress President.
Sonia Gandhi continued by saying that the Centre made a number of schemes for the development of U.P and sent thousands of crores of rupees to the state under various schemes. “The Congress led Government at the Centre sent more than one lakh crore rupees to Uttar Pradesh.But it is a matter of great concern that the people of Uttar Pradesh could not avail the benefits. All these funds were swindled out in corruption and scams. There are reports of corruption in MNREGA and NRHM schemes,” concerned the Congress President.
Sonia Gandhi continued, 'We are aware of the situation at the time we had formed our first government in the state eleven years back. Assam was in a state of chaos and disarray. Insurgency was at its height, the treasury was empty, government employees were not paid salaries, development was at an all-time low, industries and industrialists were fleeing. There were no proper roads, adequate electricity and it was rampant anarchy across the state. The people were scared to move out of their houses after the evening”.
Explaining about the efforts of the Congress government, the UPA Chairperson said “Soon after the Congress Government took charge of the state, it took immediate measures to solve these problems. I feel very happy today to see the changed face of Assam. We could achieve this because of the combined efforts of the Congress-led government and the people in the state. I use this occasion to congratulate Tarun Gagoi, his colleagues, Congress workers and leaders and the people in Assam in particular for this remarkable achievement”.
Expressing her happiness in the state of affairs in Assam, the Congress President said “Assam is moving forward through the path of development, prosperity, peace and brotherhood. We witness a confident Assam today”.
Referring to the insurgent outfits Sonia Gandhi said, 'I am happy to note that UPA and Congress led-Assam government's efforts to end insurgency through dialogue have been positive as most insurgent outfits have announced their decision to abjure violence. Most insurgent outfits have realised that violence cannot solve any problem and have left this path for peace. The government will take all measures to establish peace and fulfill their aspirations. I am confident that insurgent outfits who have not come forward for talks so far will realize the danger of violence and join the peace process.”
'“Assam's strength is in its diversity and the people of the state have realized that it is Congress that will take all sections of society into consideration in the development process” further said the Congress President. “The Congress-led government understands the expectations of the entire people. It always tried to protect the pride and honour of the entire communities in the state. Congress never works, or will work, for any particular caste, religion or region. The Congress led government in Assam could ensure a secured future of the state and its people” she added.
Recalling Rajiv Gandhi the UPA Chairperson continued, “'Rajiv Gandhi had realized this 27 years ago when he signed the historic Assam Accord and we are still working according to its provisions. Our Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has been representing Assam in Rajya Sabha since last ten years and he shows special interest for the welfare of Assam. We know that Brahmaputra river is the lifeline of the state and an integral part of its cultural identity. We also understand the hardship being faced by the people in crossing the river and we are soon going to have about four bridges across Brahmaputra”.
Narrating the achievements of the Congress-led Government in Assam Sonia Gandhi said, “There has been a marked improvement in the condition of roads while there has been increased investment in the power sector. Eight lakh BPL families have been provided with electricity under Rajiv Gandhi Grameen Vidyutikaran Yojana. Several new schemes have been undertaken for empowering women like strengthening of self-help groups and under Panchayati Raj women were given reservation of 50 per cent. For the development of all sections of society including SC/STs, backward castes, indigenous communities, the government has set up eight autonomous councils and 18 development councils. Assam has also taken full advantages of National Rural Health Mission. I have been told that the people are receiving much better health care and facilities”.
About the improvement in the field of education, the Congress President remarked “Assam is the first state in the country which made computers available to the entire high school students in the state. Today, the state has a number of institutions for higher studies and the children here are now able to get better and quality higher education. There has been a new lease of life for the industry in the state. I take this opportunity to congratulate the hard working and sincere farmers in Assam for creating history in the production of rice and food grains in the last year”
“We want fast economic growth and better development in the country and we wish that the entire people avail its benefits. We also look for a safe and secured environment” she added.
Sonia Gandhi further said “People of the state have strongly supported the Congress in all possible manner and the Congress government in the state will never disappoint the people in making Assam one of the developed and peaceful states in the country”.
The Congress President concluded her speech by once again congratulating the Chief Minister, his colleagues, Congress workers and the people of Assam.
Congress President and UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi attended the first anniversary celebrations of the third term of the Congress government in Assam. She congratulated Tarun Gagoi government in the state for the overall development and prosperity in the state.
Narrating the achievements of the Congress-led Government in Assam Sonia Gandhi said, “There has been a marked improvement in the condition of roads while there has been increased investment in the power sector. Eight lakh BPL families have been provided with electricity under Rajiv Gandhi Grameen Vidyutikaran Yojana. Several new schemes have been undertaken for empowering women like strengthening of self-help groups and under Panchayati Raj women were given reservation of 50 per cent.
“For the development of all sections of society including SC/STs, backward castes, indigenous communities, the government has set up eight autonomous councils and 18 development councils. Assam has also taken full advantages of National Rural Health Mission. I have been told that the people are receiving much better health care and facilities,” added the Congress President.
Congress President and UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi attended the first anniversary celebrations of the third term of the Congress government in Assam. She congratulated Tarun Gagoi government in the state for the all round development and prosperity in the state.
Sonia Gandhi said that today is a day of celebration for the Congress party. 'But at the same time we realise the huge responsibility the people of Assam has reposed in us and we renew our pledge to serve them better to take them on the path of peace, development and prosperity’.
“I am very happy to be here in Assam and this occasion is more memorable as we celebrate the first anniversary of the third Congress-led government under the leadership of Taru Gagoi in the state. This proves that the people’s faith has increased in our government. We also realize that now we have increased responsibility to do more service for the benefits of the people” added the Congress President.
Congress President Sonia Gandhi, as UPA chairperson, was instrumental for the Right to Information and the National Rural Employment Guarantee Act which were the most acclaimed policies of the UPA 1 which had a great influence in UPA’s victory in the 2009 parliament elections. She was the chief advocate for the Right to Education Bill and now UPA is ready with the food Security bill, the brain child of Sonia Gandhi.
Congress President and UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi expressed her displeasure over the poor attendance of Congress MPs in the Parliament. Sonia Gandhi also said to be not happy for the fact that some Congress MPs sign the Parliament register and leave the House without attending the proceedings.
Expressing her concern that the Members of Parliament of the Congress are not present sometimes despite whips, Sonia Gandhi, who is also Congress Parliamentary Party chairperson, wanted state conveners and parliamentary managers to take steps to ensure better attendance.
According to the Congress sources, Sonia Gandhi also had said that some Congress MPs come and sign the attendance register and go back without attending the House for any considerable time. The Congress President also has sought a list of absentee MPs at regular intervals.
Sonia Gandhi has time and again expressed concern over the absence of members. The Congress President also wanted the monsoon session convened after the presidential election which is expected by the middle of July.
Congress President and UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi while speaking to allies at a dinner to mark the completion of three years of UPA-II on Tuesday acknowledged that the UPA can secure another mandate only on the basis of the works done by it and not promises.
"We are aware that only two years are left when we will be seeking a new mandate from the people. We are fully aware that the result of that will not depend on our promises but on the nature of work done by us," she said.
“We could introduce a new social concept and could give a new direction,” she said while starting her address. "UPA-II worked for the all sections of the society. Our Prime Minister explained our achievements in detail and so I will mention only about some of the points" added Sonia Gandhi.
Attacking the opposition as aggressive and irresponsible Sonia Gandhi said, “The opposition has been making very aggressive and irresponsible statements against us. But we were committed to our social service. We are focussed on progressive politics. We have always maintained etiquette and we know that we have a mandate to fulfill and we will do that. We have been trying to fulfill the expectations of the people who had reposed their faith on us,"
"I know these are difficult times but this is no reason to feel depressed. We faced a lot of challenges in the last year inside and outside the Parliament,” she added.
Sonia Gandhi continued, “The achievement of UPA 2 is unique. MNREGA became more effective in UPA 2 while there was expansion of health insurance. It also helped the people in the unorganised sectors. The farming sector also became much more organized. Loans to farmers have been increased,” the UPA chairperson said.
“We are determined to remove the difficulties of women and the economically weaker section. We are united to progress economically,” Sonia Gandhi said.
Talking about the future programmes of UPA, such as Ajivika, she said, "It will give boost to the efforts of the self help groups engaged in areas of women empowerment. Maternal security programmes have made their special impact."
Sonia Gandhi added that the assured government purchases will encourage the business of tribal and backward people in the country. On the new schemes launched in the field of education, the Congress President said, "These have given a new opportunity for empowering the backwards in real terms."
Expressing hope for a better future for farmers and labourers, she said, "The funds given to the farmers have become stronger and programmes like Aadhar will help in ensuring more benefits to the poor people."
Congress President and UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi sent a "Chadar" to Ajmer Sharif as an offering at the revered shrine of Sufi saint Khwaja Moin-ud-din Chishti's dargah on the occasion of Urs.
The Dargah is hosting the religious fair or "Urs" marking the 800th death anniversary of the Sufi saint. Millions of devotees from all across the world visit the saint's shrine during the Urs ceremony.
Moin-ud-din Chisti is believed to have been born in 1142 AD. Since his ancestors belonged to a town named Chisti, people began calling him by that name. Chisti, who preached tolerance and unity of all religions, died in Ajmer where his tomb has become a shrine for millions of people.
In 1236 AD, the saint entered his cell to pray in seclusion for six days, at the end of which he died. Since then Urs has been celebrated for six days every year. It is believed that praying at the tomb of the saint fulfils a person's wishes.
Since 1998, Sonia Gandhi has been the Congress President. Sonia Gandhi, being the leader of the Congress party, is managing the affairs in a quite commendable manner without making any noises or public outbursts. She had personally experienced the life and style of great political stalwarts like Indira Gandhi, with whom she had a special relationship, and husband Rajiv Gandhi, who had placed India to the list of fast growing nations. The nation saw an efficient leader of opposition in Sonia Gandhi when NDA was in power.
Today India has a strong standing in the field of Information Technology throughout the globe and the credit goes to Rajiv Gandhi.
Rajiv Gandhi had said “We need to ensure that newest of technology is utilized and used at the rural level. We need to befriend Science and technology to jump to higher notches.”
“He raised the confidence of the nation. He emphasized on the role of technology, Information Technology in particular. I think he showed to the world that he had a dream, he ‘too had a dream’ as he said. We all got enthused by seeing a young, idealistic and dynamic person. Rajiv Gandhi was one of the two people whose death invoked great sentiments in me because he was Young, dynamic and he had a vision for India for the future. He was an extraordinary leader and I think we all are going to miss him. I wish he had lived longer, says Narayan Moorti, founder , Infosys.
Decades before, Rajiv Gandhi had imagined the world of today. During his tenure he initiated a lot of programmes for the progress of technology. He laid stress on the development of fields like Space research , Nuclear research , Genetic Engineering , Genetic Biology and Computer software development.
Rajiv Gandhi had the conviction to change his dreams into reality. He wanted to development initiatives to be treated like a mission and so all his targets were his missions rather.
Rajiv Gandhi’s emphasis on Panchayti Raj explains the fact that he believed that in a country like India or for that matter any country the real power ,be it political or administrative, cannot be fully tapped and democratized without women. Rajiv Gandhi was not only interested in the technological development of the country but he had equal interest in maintaining the national culture. He wanted the structure of development to be uniform and in sync with the national culture.
Today on his Martyrdom day, Nation salutes the visionary.
New Delhi: The nation paid homage on Monday to former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi on his 21st death anniversary.
President Pratibha Patil, Vice-President Hamid Ansari, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Congress President Sonia Gandhi were among the first to pay floral tribute to the late leader at “Veer Bhumi”, the memorial of Rajiv Gandhi.
Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra also paid floral tributes to their father who was assassinated on May 21, 1991 at Sriperumbudur in Tamil Nadu during an election campaign. Priyanka Gandhi’s husband Robert Vadra was also present. May 21st will be observed as Anti-Terrorism day to commemorate the death anniversary of former Prime Minister Mr. Rajiv Gandhi. On his way to address an election meeting he was garlanded by many school children and party well wishers. Assassin Dhanu got an opportunity to mix with the crowd and execute her merciless, treacherous plan. Rajiv Gandhi’s murder had left the whole nation in shock and emotional outburst.
Since then, the day is celebrated as Anti-terrorism day in the honor of our former Prime Minister. Terrorism is the most brutal form of crime that human beings can ever commit; it has also become a fear factor for Indians and the world. The purpose of celebrating this day every year is to keep our youth away from indulging in such wrong activities risking their lives along with risking lives of several other innocent people.
The responsibility of driving this fear out of our society solely lies on our shoulders. On the day, people are made aware of heinous terrorist activities and their after effects on the society.
Rajiv Gandhi used to say that he has a vision to see India at the pinnacle of her glory and march forward as a country knitted in the fabric of democracy. He was always concerned about the delivery system and he used to say that funds earmarked for rural development hardly reach at the grass roots. He aimed at rectifying this flow and Panchayati Raj in an effective manner was his brainchild. In the field of agriculture, new advances have been made with modern set of equipments and a supportive technology for optimum utilization of resources for maximum output.
If India today is at the threshold of being a great economic power, a resurgent middle-class with a great purchasing power, we have to acknowledge the lead role that Rajiv Gandhi had played. He will always be remembered with love and respect. He has made his place in history as a man who led the break-through of India into a vibrant global economic power.
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21st May 1991, Sri Perumbudur was rocked by a blast. Suicide attacker had succeeded in their evil motives. They snatched away Rajivji from us and the progressive movement of a developing nation was brought to a screeching halt. This was an international conspiracy, that many top world leaders were afraid about. The then Palestinian President Yasir Arafat had serious concerns about such an attack on Rajiv Gandhi and so he had also warned him.
It was Rajiv Gandhi’s modern vision that made India one of the leading fast moving countries in the world. Today we hear the success stories of many IT giants like Infosys, TCS and Wipro but this could not have been possible without Rajiv Gandhi’s long term vision.
Rajiv Gandhi’s concept of modernisation was not just modernization of industry but more fundamentally modernisation of minds and attitudes. He wanted the scientists and technologists to work and solve the problems relating to water-management and improved sanitation so that the people particularly in the rural areas get a better quality of life.
Sonia Gandhi played a phenomenal role as the Chairman of the National Advisory Council, which was instrumental for the Right to Information and the National Rural Employment Guarantee Act which were the most acclaimed policies of the UPA 1 which had a great influence in UPA’s victory in the 2009 parliament elections. She was the chief advocate for the Right to Education Bill and now UPA is ready with the food Security bill, the brain child of Sonia Gandhi.
Congress General Secretary Rahul Gandhi who had visited Chhattisgarh to attend a Congress training camp on Friday told the Congress workers to work as a single unit to ensure victory for the party in the next Chhattisgarh assembly polls. "If we want Congress to win the upcoming assembly polls, then we need to stay and work together," he said. Rahul Gandhi added that only those leaders who are working at the grass root level, will be given tickets in the upcoming polls. “The UPA government is sending more funds to Chhattisgarh as compared the erstwhile NDA government, but due to corruption the money is not reaching to the beneficiaries”, added the Congress General Secretary.
Asking the youths to come forward to dethrone the BJP government in Chhattisgarh, Rahul Gandhi said that the party workers should go to villages to tell people about the development work being carried out by the UPA government.
Since 1998, Sonia Gandhi has been the Congress President. Sonia Gandhi, being the leader of the Congress party, is managing the affairs in a quite commendable manner without making any noises or public outbursts. Sonia Gandhi has transformed herself as an able politician, and has proven her ability to control the party from behind the scenes and without drawing too much attention to herself, and effectively maintaining a perfect balance between the party and the government.
Sonia Gandhi has transformed herself as an able politician, and has proven her ability to control the party from behind the scenes and without drawing too much attention to herself, and effectively maintaining a perfect balance between the party and the government. It was under her leadership the UPA was formed. Sonia Gandhi handled the process by reaching out to other political parties in a quite appreciable manner without claiming any credit. It was a surprise even for her political opponents when the Congress President refused to lead the coalition and made Dr Manmohan Singh, the first Sikh, the Prime Minister. Under her matured leadership the Congress led UPA could retain the power in the 2009 general election, but again she chose to be silent and continued her mission as Congress president and UPA chairperson.
Sonia Gandhi has been the Congress President Since 1998. She being the leader of the Congress party is managing the affairs in a quite commendable manner without making any noises or public outbursts. She had personally experienced the life and style of great political stalwarts like Indira Gandhi, with whom she had a special relationship, and husband Rajiv Gandhi, who had placed India to the list of fast growing nations. The nation saw an efficient leader of opposition in Sonia Gandhi when NDA was in power.
Congress President and UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi, while speaking on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of India's first Parliamentary session on Sunday, said that that the Parliament should be a source of justice and compassion.
“It should be our resolve in the years to come to make sure that this great institution embraces not only the triumphs and joys of this land, but rids our people of the sorrows and sufferings that still blight their lives. This great institution must be not only a source of law and power, but also of justice and compassion,” said Sonia Gandhi.
Concluding her speech, the Congress President said “Three simple words spoken by Jawaharlal Nehru encapsulate the mighty mission of this great republic –"Swaraj for all". Let us, each of us, gear ourselves up for the tasks ahead, renew and redouble our commitment and our pledge to fulfill our historic duty”.
Congress President and UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi spoke on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of India's first Parliamentary session on Sunday and paid homage to great national leaders and also paid tributes to the persons killed during 2001 terrorist attack on Parliament.
Addressing the staff in the Parliament, the Congress President said “We also gratefully acknowledge the contribution of thousands of hard working staff in Parliament who have toiled tirelessly to keep the wheels of this great institution moving efficiently”.
Recalling the Parliament attack, the UPA Chairperson said “And, we pay humble tribute today to the memory of those courageous heroes who laid down their lives in 2001 when Parliament came under attack by forces that seek to undermine our Constitutional democracy”.
“The journey of our great Parliament has not always been smooth or without challenge. Nor did we expect it to be. An anniversary is also a moment for reflection, to consider our role and place in the rich fabric of our nation’s life and history”, she asserted.
Sonia Gandhi emphasized that the integrity and independence of Parliament must be preserved and protected at all cost, with no room for compromise. “Our conduct must rise to the highest ethical standards that were followed and demanded by the founding fathers of our nation” she added.
Congress President and UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi spoke on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of India's first Parliamentary session on Sunday and paid homage to our great national leaders like Mahatma Gandhiji, Jawahar Lal Nehru and Dr BR Ambedkar.
Sonia Gandhi said “I pay my deepest tribute to the Mahatma. He was no longer living when this House first met, yet he was the guiding light that made it all possible. Leading a life of spartan simplicity he dedicated himself to the last and the least. He taught us the power of love and compassion”.
“I pay homage to Jawaharlal Nehru, his comrades-in-arms and political colleagues too numerous to mention, whose profound belief and single-minded determination gave spirit and substance to the idea, the functioning and the nurturing of our Parliament through its formative stages. I pay homage to Dr. BR Ambedkar who accomplished an immensely difficult task to create the constitutional frame on which our democracy stands”.
She continued remembering the contribution of various MPs and said “ pay tribute to the peerless giants, the legendary figures, who have graced our Parliament. They built great parliamentary traditions and endowed the nation with vision and direction”. “They created new rights and remedies for all our citizens and have especially protected the excluded and the marginalized,” Sonia Gandhi added.
Congress President and UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi spoke on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of India's first Parliamentary session on Sunday.
“Again and again, they have voted with wisdom and purpose, sometimes reaffirming their faith in those who govern them, sometimes voting them out. If there is one thread running through these past six decades, it is that people's power is felt constantly at the highest levels of governance. The aam admi has become the heart and soul of our democracy and has made it our greatest triumph”.
“India’s freedom struggle reinvented the idea of democracy. "My notion of democracy", said Gandhiji, the Father of our nation and the leader of our freedom struggle, "is that under it the weakest should have the same opportunity as the strongest," commented the UPA Chairperson.
sCongress President and UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi spoke on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of India's first Parliamentary session on Sunday said that we should not forget those troubled days and months and the numerous challenges the country faced
“Sixty-five years ago at Independence, India awakened "to life and freedom", with a bold and ambitious vision – a vision to build a legislature on the basis of universal adult franchise. At one stroke, millions of our poor and illiterate, men and women, were given the power to change their destiny” said the Congress President beginning her address.
“Let us not forget those troubled days and months and the numerous challenges the country faced then. Millions of refugees were homeless. Communal tension was rife. Destitution was rampant. Borders were tense. Resources were scarce. The very idea of India, let alone the idea of a democratic India, was being ridiculed in many quarters. When far older democracies had achieved universal adult franchise in a gradual process and after long decades of struggle, how could it become a reality in a new nation beset with such problems?” added Sonia Gandhi.
Sonia Gandhi continued “To their eternal credit and our undying gratitude, our founding fathers persisted. The poor and illiterate masses of this country have turned out to be amazingly skilled and sophisticated.
sCongress President and UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi spoke on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of India's first Parliamentary session on Sunday said that we should not forget those troubled days and months and the numerous challenges the country faced
“Sixty-five years ago at Independence, India awakened "to life and freedom", with a bold and ambitious vision – a vision to build a legislature on the basis of universal adult franchise. At one stroke, millions of our poor and illiterate, men and women, were given the power to change their destiny” said the Congress President beginning her address.
“Let us not forget those troubled days and months and the numerous challenges the country faced then. Millions of refugees were homeless. Communal tension was rife. Destitution was rampant. Borders were tense. Resources were scarce. The very idea of India, let alone the idea of a democratic India, was being ridiculed in many quarters. When far older democracies had achieved universal adult franchise in a gradual process and after long decades of struggle, how could it become a reality in a new nation beset with such problems?” added Sonia Gandhi.
Sonia Gandhi continued “To their eternal credit and our undying gratitude, our founding fathers persisted. The poor and illiterate masses of this country have turned out to be amazingly skilled and sophisticated.
While speaking on the occasion of the celebration of the 60th year of Parliament, Congress President and UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi on Sunday said that while Parliament’s integrity and independence must be preserved at all cost, it must not only be a source of law and power but also justice and compassion. Sonia Gandhi underlined that that the greatest triumph of the country in the last sixty years is that the common people became the heart and soul of Indian democracy.
“The poor and illiterate masses have again and again voted with wisdom, they have voted with purpose, sometimes reaffirming their faith in those who govern them, sometimes voting them out, said the Congress President"
Noting that India's freedom struggle reinvented the idea of democracy, Sonia Gandhi said, "If there is one thread running through these past six decades, it is that people's power is felt constantly at the highest levels of governance."
The Congress MP from Raebareli added that Indian social legislations have emerged as a global benchmark today and the laws enacted in last sixty years have especially protected the excluded and the marginalized. "My notion of democracy is that under it the weakest should have the same opportunity as the strongest," said Sonia Gandhi quoting Mahatma Gandhi.
The Congress President also paid tributes to the security personnel, who sacrificed their life in 2001 when Parliament had come under a terrorist attack.
Congress President Sonia Gandhi while addressing the Parliament on the occasion of 60th Anniversary of the first sitting of Parliament of India said: “Sixty five years ago, India awakened to freedom with a bold and ambitious vision. A vision to build legislature on the basis of universal adult franchise. At one stroke millions of our poor and illiterate men and women were given the power to change their destiny. Let us not forget those troubled days and months and the numerous challenges the country faced then. Millions of refugees were homeless, communal tensions were rife, borders were tensed, resources were scarce. The very idea of a democratic India was being ridiculed in many quarters. When far older democracies had achieved universal adult franchise after long decades of struggle, how could it become a reality a nation beset with such problems. These questions were then asked. To their eternal credit and our undying gratitude our founding fathers persisted. The poor and illiterate masses of this country have turned out to be amazingly skilled and sophisticated. Again and again they have voted with wisdom, voted with purpose, sometimes reaffirming their faith in those governments , sometimes voting them out. And if there is one thread running through this past six decades, it is people's power which has been felt at the highest level of governance. The Aam admi has become the heart and the soul of our democracy. India's freedom struggle reinvented the idea of democracy. The notion of democracy said Gandhiji the father of our nation and the leader of our freedom struggle is that under it the weakest should have the same opportunity as the strongest. It is this revolutionary idea that opened the doors of our legislatures and began to transform the Indian society. It has done so in a peaceful and evolutionary manner based on the time tested principles of secularism and social justice.
Sonia Gandhi played a phenomenal role as the Chairman of the National Advisory Council, which was instrumental for the Right to Information and the National Rural Employment Guarantee Act which were the most acclaimed policies of the UPA 1 which had a great influence in UPA’s victory in the 2009 parliament elections. She was the chief advocate for the Right to Education Bill and now UPA is ready with the food Security bill, the brain child of Sonia Gandhi.
Since 1998, Sonia Gandhi has been the Congress President. Sonia Gandhi’s highly interactive style of functioning might evoked mixed responses even from within the party, yet Sonia Gandhi prefers to walk through a path created by her. She had personally experienced the life and style of great political stalwarts like Indira Gandhi, with whom she had a special relationship, and husband Rajiv Gandhi, who had placed India to the list of fast growing nations. The nation saw an efficient leader of opposition in Sonia Gandhi when NDA was in power.
My family has a long and strong relationship with Arunachal Pradesh, said Rahul Gandhi – the Congress General Secretary – while addressing a public function during his visit to Arunachal Pradesh. Rahul Gandhi also recalled that former Prime Ministers Pandit Jawahar Lal Nehru, Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi had visited the state on many occasions. “I could not visit this state till now, but now I will ensure that I come here frequently,” assured Rahul Gandhi. “I am a Member of Parliament from Uttar Pradesh, but I will fight for you also in the Parliament being your brother” said Rahul Gandhi and the crowd acknowledged it with cheers.
Congress President Sonia Gandhi while addressing a CPP meeting in New Delhi asked the Congress MPs to learn lessons from the results of the recent polls and told them to shed factional behaviour and fight as one disciplined unit as the Congress is going to face series of polls in various states in the coming months.
Sonia Gandhi also asked Congress MPs to project the works of the Congress led government at the Centre and expose the hollow claims of opposition-rule state governments. The Congress President also reminded that the misrule and corruption have been widespread in some of the opposition ruled states, as revealed by CAG and Lokayukta reports. Sonia Gandhi wanted the Congress leaders to highlight the failures of the opposition-ruled governments.
"I would like to reiterate here we are fully committed to strengthening federalism, which is a key tenet of our party's and the UPA's agenda. What better evidence of this can there be than the unprecedented transfers of financial assistance from the Centre to the states these past eight years," Sonia Gandhi said.
Appreciating the UPA government's achievements, Sonia Gandhi said, "It seems to have become almost fashionable these days to criticise the government. We must speak forcefully and with confidence on what we have achieved and there is much we have to show despite difficult economic times.
Urging the Members of Parliament of the Congress, to draw lessons from the results of the recently held assembly polls, Congress President and UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi said in New Delhi that Congress leaders must shed factional behaviour and fight as one disciplined team as the Congress braces to face a series of state elections in the coming months. Sonia Gandhi was addressing the CPP meeting in New Delhi.
The CPP meeting was held a few days after a high-power committee of the Congress party led by Congress senior leader A K Antony that reviewed the party's performance in the five states, had submitted its report to Sonia Gandhi.
The Congress President said “As a series of state elections approaching in the coming months, the Congress leaders must draw upon lessons of the previous polls."
Sonia Gandhi also asked Congress MPs to project the works of the Congress led government at the Centre and "expose the hollow claims of opposition-rule state governments", adding that "mis-governance and corruption have been widespread in some of these states as revealed by CAG and Lokayukta reports".
Since 1998, Sonia Gandhi has been the Congress President. The Congress had witnessed many ups and downs during her tenure and at present also the party is passing through a testing phase. Congress today is handling many issues like presidential elections, setback in the recent assembly elections, passage of Lokpal and Food Security Bills. Sonia Gandhi, being the leader of the Congress party, is managing the affairs in a quite commendable manner without making any noises or public outbursts.
Congress General Secretary Rahul Gandhi is clearly a leader who delivers. He had visited the drought-hit areas in Maharashtra recently. After the visit he led a delegation to the Prime Minister seeking relief measures for the affected region. It is a known fact that Rahul Gandhi regularly intervenes in the issues of the people, wherever it is. That is what we saw in Bundelkhand, Tappal and Bhatta-Parsaul. It was because of his intervention, the Central government approved a relief package for Bunkars and for the drought-hit Bundelkhand region.
Congress General Secretary Rahul Gandhi is clearly the leader of the masses. He regularly tries to intervene in the issues of the people, wherever it is. That is what we saw in Bundelkhand, Tappal and Bhatta-Parsaul. It was because of his intervention, the Central government approved a relief package for Bunkars and for the drought-hit Bundelkhand region. Recently after his visit to the drought hit areas in Maharashtra, he led a delegation to the Prime Minister and requested his help to find solution to the problems of the people in the affected area. Truly, Rahul Gandhi is a leader who delivers.
Congress President and UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi while addressing a mammoth Congress rally in Aligarh which is famous for its lock-industry said that the people of Aligarh can send a positive signal to the entire Uttar Pradesh by supporting Congress in the coming assembly elections. Striking an emotional chord with Aligarh Sonia Gandhi said “It is heard that it is very difficult to open a door of it is locked by Aligarhi Lock. So put locks on corrupt practices and open new doors of progress”. The crowd acknowledged these words of encouragement by Sonia Gandhi.
“Congress is firm on its principles” said Sonia Gandhi. “When the poor farmers were struggling because of huge debts the UPA Government helped them with a scheme to waiving off their loan. The doors of the banks were opened for them. We increased the procurement prices to help the farmers. There is no shortage of fertilizers at the Centre and it sent fertilizers to U.P too. But because of the corrupt distribution system by the state Government the farmers are not able to get adequate fertilizers in UP,” informed the Congress President.
About the present pathetic conditions in U.P, Sonia Gandhi said “The people are not able to get proper jobs, adequate electricity and sufficient water in the state. No one is here to listen to the poor. There is nothing called law and order”. Sonia Gandhi also concerned that when the Congress led Centre makes policies for the women, dalits, backward class and underprivileged the opposition parties tried to create hurdles.
Congress President Sonia Gandhi who was on a two-day visit to Karnataka launched a blistering attack on the ruling BJP and asked Congress workers in the state to set aside personal agenda and work together to bring the Congress back to power.
Addressing Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee delegates, Sonia Gandhi said "People want a change from the political corruption and the corruption of the BJP. And they want a change from the divisive communal politics of the BJP".
The Congress President also said that for so many reasons, the people were disenchanted with BJP. “The so called 'party with a difference' had been fully exposed and its double standards on corruption and political corruption are more than apparent to the people” argued Sonia Gandhi.
The Congress President said that for the past so many years, the Congress had not been able to receive people's mandate in Karnataka for various reasons including party's own weaknesses. “Congress is not able to convert people's goodwill into electoral success”, said Sonia Gandhi.
Congress President Sonia Gandhi along with Prime minister Manmohan Singh inaugurated the silver jubilee celebrations of the seven Zonal Cultural Centres (ZCCs) of India in a traditional manner by beating a drum at Panchkula. A choreographed amalgamation of different cultural streams of India titled “Mati ke rang” was presented in a colourful manner.
“The art forms in our country have been passing through a lot of transformation as well as challenges. The Zonal Centres should realize this fact and should own up the responsibility to maintain the cultural diversity of our country. Though we are facing challenges we should preserve our culture and its diversity” said Sonia Gandhi. “Apart from cities, we also should take these art forms to the remote areas and also should make the people aware about the rich culture of our country as well as the importance to maintain and protect various art forms,” added the Congress President.
“There a lot of talents emerging in our country. The cultural events like this give opportunity to them to express their potential and perform their art forms” said Sonia Gandhi.
“The artists who are engaged in performing our traditional art forms should be able to earn their livelihood. Many of our artists are not able to support their family by just performing the traditional art forms. As a result the art forms also suffer along with the artists. We should consider and address this issue also. The Zonal centres should find out strategies to protect the artists as well as to preserve the traditional art forms” asserted the Congress President.
Sonia Gandhi also congratulated the artists and the organizers for conducting such a successful and colourful event. She also extended heartiest Vaisakhi greetings to the gathering.
