The Congress in Tamil Nadu must regain its glory and have a strong, unflinching vote bank in the State. All the cadre should work towards strengthening the party, Tamil Nadu Congress Committee president K.S. Alagiri has said.
Speaking at the 75th birth anniversary celebrations of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, Mr. Alagiri told a jam-packed Kamarajar Arangam that party cadre should work as hard as they did when Rajiv Gandhi came to Tamil Nadu to campaign, which led to a 20% increase in the party’s vote share during the election.
“Find out on the street where you live how many support the Congress and how many don’t, and win their confidence to increase our base. We should have at least one member from each family who is our supporter. Our party flag should be there on every street,” Mr. Alagiri said.
The Congress leader was critical of the cases filed against former Union Minister P. Chidambaram. “How can mere allegations become true? The Modi government is targeting the Congress party. The government is anti-democratic,” he said.
AICC general secretary Mukul Wasnik said the Congress-DMK secular alliance in Tamil Nadu will win the next Assembly election. “We will contest our seats, alliance partners will also contest seats and ensure the DMK forms the government and (DMK president) Stalin becomes the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu,” he said.
Paying tribute to Rajiv Gandhi, Mr. Wasnik said the late leader did exemplary work as Prime Minister. “India became a strong, united nation due to him. But see the manner in which [Prime Minister] Modi is ruling India,” he said.
Dr. Sirivella Prasad, AICC secretary in-charge of Tamil Nadu, said Rajiv Gandhi strived for good governance, stimulated the growth engines in the economy and focussed on development based on human values.
Sanjay Dutt, AICC secretary in-charge of T.N., said the late PM brought India to the level of a global power with his initiatives. Senior leaders of the party, MPs, MLAs and district leaders took part in the event.
