What TV doesn't, print can't; we deliver.
What TV doesn't, print can't; we deliver.
Sonia Gandhi accused the BJP-led Central government of demolishing Indian institutions and favouring a “few chosen businessmen” at expense of others.
Former Congress chief Sonia Gandhi on Saturday launched a scathing attack on the Central government, the BJP and its ideological parent RSS, accusing them of instigating crimes against minorities, women, Dalits, and tribals.
Addressing the 85th Congress plenary session in Raipur, Gandhi also accused the saffron camp of mocking Mahatma Gandhi and showing contempt for values enshrined in the Constitution.
Admitting that Congress is facing difficult challenges, Sonia – who steered Congress in two consecutive parliamentary victories – urged party workers to set aside their differences and fight against the Modi government unitedly.
The victory of Congress would mean the victory of the country, she declared.
“This is a particularly challenging time for the Congress and the country as a whole. Prime Minister Modi, the BJP and RSS regime has relentlessly captured and subverted every single institution of this country,” said Gandhi, who heads Congress Parliamentary Party (CCP).
Referring to billionaire Gautam Adani as one among “a few chosen businessmen”, she also took potshots at the Modi government over the Adani Group which was hit by allegations of fraud and stock manipulation following a damning report by US-based Hindenburg Research last year.
“It (government) has caused economic ruin by favouring a few chosen businessmen at the expense of others and the ordinary people. And most distressing — it fuels the fire of hatred and defeat against fellow Indians,” she said.
ALSO READ: CWC members: No election, Congress opts for nomination
In a strongly worded speech, she said: “It (BJP) viciously targeted minorities and instigate crime against them, against women, against Dalits and against tribals. It mocked Gandhi Ji and through its word and actions, shows its contempt to the values of our Constitution.”
Congress is a vehicle through which the people of India fight for liberty, equality, fraternity and justice for all, she said. “Congress is not just a political party.”
“We reflect the voices of all people, states, religions, castes, genders and languages. We work to uphold the dignity and fulfil the dreams of each and every Indian. So the path ahead is not easy, but my experience and rich history of Congress tells me that victory will be ours,” the 76-year-old leader told Congressmen.
Recalling her stint as the Congress president, Gandhi said, “I had the honour of taking the office of president in 1998. Over those 25 years, our party has seen times of high achievements and as well disappointments.”
“Our victories in 2004 and 2009 along with the able leadership of Dr Manmohan Singh gave me personal satisfaction. But what ratifies me most is that my innings could conclude with Bharat Jodo Yatra,” she said.
“I thank Rahul Gandhi for his determination and leadership that were crucial in his yatra’s success,” she said.
Rahul Gandhi recently concluded the 4,000-km Bharat Jodo Yatra from Kanyakumari to Srinagar over a period of four and a half months.
She called upon party leaders and workers to “tackle the present regime with boldness and vigour, and stand side by side with the people it attacks”.
“We must reach out to people and convey our message with clarity and cohesion. We must work with discipline and timeliness to respond quickly in this fast-paced world. We must be ready to put aside our personal expectations and make sacrifices and work with unity to serve a common purpose,” she said.
Addressing nearly 1500-strong delegates, Gandhi said, “Today, let us all remind ourselves of the battle our party has won in the past. And prepare ourselves for the battles to come. Let us remember victory for the party is the victory of the country for every one of us.”
