TNI Bureau: Congress President Sonia Gandhi asked the party workers to recognise new India, which is more demanding and less tolerant younger generation. Addressing the party meet two-day ‘Chintan Shivir’ in Jaipur, she said that the party should look at its strength, weaknesses and threats.
Her speech at the strategy meet indicated her concern for the party ahead of the next general elections, which are slated in 2014. She indirectly asked her party workers to come out of the old notion, to cut extra expenses and work for people as there is a rapid change in the society. She said that the party has to build up leadership at all levels, which has to be proactive.
Analysing the current situation of the country where the party has been facing criticism from all ends over growing number of crime against women and tension at the Line of Control, she said, “The way we still treat widows, the trafficking of children, brazen sexual harassment are very disturbing trends. Discrimination against girl child continues in India. Improving economic performance, keeping secular values, better and closer relations with our immediate neighbours will lead to peace”. Talking on the bitter relationship with Pakistan, she said that peace with neighbours should be on the principle of civilised behaviour.
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The party, which will complete 10 years in power at Centre, should focus on economic reforms. Addressing the leaders at meeting, Sonia said that being in power is not the sole purpose of political activity, rather they should work for people, should not ignore protests as the country has witnessed a series of protests and agitations relating to land, water, livelihood. She said that the party must take an active note of this.
Amidst protests, the party has also achieved success under Prime Minister’s leadership, she believes. “There are successes stories of developments, footprints of achievements are expanding. Last 9 years have been of tremendous economic growth, social change, and technological innovation. Development and economic growth and social harmony are two sides of the same coin. We have to strike a balance in between respecting our alliance and policies”, she said adding “Inclusiveness to us is not a political ploy to win elections, it’s in our conviction”.
She said that the party is focusing on Women security, which is at the top of Congress agenda. She said that the party will fight against all odds. It will continue fighting against inequality and poverty. Praising the party workers, she said that Congress is the only party, which is present in all cities and villages.
Sonia’s spoke at the meet addressing the top brass to focus on the Lok Sabha elections. During two-day meet, the party will discuss the political changes; decide whether Rahul will be the next Prime Minister. It will analyse which regional parties will be targeted.