The Hindu : Punish those disturbing peace, says Sonia

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Friday, May 09, 2003

National

National

Punish those disturbing peace, says Sonia

By Our Special Correspondent

NEW DELHI May 8. The Congress president, Sonia Gandhi, today called for strict action against those trying to disturb peace and harmony. Her observations came during her address to members of her parliamentary party. She said the people of the country would ultimately give a befitting reply to "all those who disturb social peace and harmony by their words and deeds''

Ms. Gandhi's attack comes in the backdrop of the trident distribution programme undertaken by the VHP and plans by the BJP-led coalition to bring a bill for a ban on cow slaughter ahead of Assembly elections in five States.

The Congress president was critical of the Government on several issues, ranging from the manner in which the BJP-led NDA Government had deferred the Women's Reservation Bill yet again, to the haste in pushing the Tobacco Prohibition Bill.

Ms. Gandhi also touched on several issues, from the need for India to assist in the reconstruction of Iraq, to the neglect of the farmers, particularly the sugarcane growers in Uttar Pradesh. "Sugarcane growers face a serious crisis but the Government is impervious to the needs,'' she said. She was also critical of the Government's handling of VAT. "The Government has shrugged of its responsibility."

Ms. Gandhi took serious exception to the manner in which the Defence Ministry had left unutilised Rs. 23,000 crores of budgetary allocations. Expressing grave concern at the growing atrocities against Dalits, particularly in Haryana, she said her party was duty bound to raise such issues.

Referring to the Assembly polls which are just a few months away, Ms. Gandhi reminded the party leaders of the need for unity. "I need hardly add that party unity, particularly among leaders, will be critical to our success'' in the States, she said, adding the Congress was in power in four of these States and therefore the party would have to combat the so-called anti-incumbency factor.

Pointing out that party governments have "solid achievements'' to their credit, she said "succeed we must and, with the support of the people and with our collective commitment, succeed we will''.

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

National