Prasada unveils 8-point programme

By Our Special Correspondent

NEW DELHI, NOV. 10. Mr. Jitendra Prasada, challenger to the Congress president, Ms. Sonia Gandhi, has come out with a 8-point programme which he believes should form the basis for the party's revitalisation.

Significantly, he has sought to make common ground with breakaway Congress groups by calling for the return of ``all those who have been a part of the Congress stream and who share the ideology''.

His alternative action has a prescription on a host of issues including international affairs, a blueprint for the revival of the economy and an action plan for the party. According to Mr. Prasada, his plan will help the party fight the Assembly elections early next year. ``I am providing an alternative action plan to fight the mini-general elections.''

Giving the rationale for his suggestion, Mr. Prasada said it was the Congress alone which could provide not only a stable Government but also one that was in synch with the times. The Sangh Parivar and its offshoots were undermining the basic character of the country and it was only the Congress and all those who have been part of the party at one time or the other who could rescue the country from these ``divisive forces''.

Mr. Prasada saw nothing wrong in suggesting a rapprochement with the leaders who had left the Congress and joined the NCP, on the grounds that the party was part of the coalition in Maharashtra. He also referred to the fact that the Congress was already a part of a front with Mr. Moopanar's TMC in Tamil Nadu. ``We are already in touch, what is the harm in getting them back?''

On the penultimate day of the campaign, Mr. Prasada said he was providing suggestions which, if acted upon, could pave the way for the party's return to power. ``These Assembly elections present a great opportunity if we make a good showing , the stage will be set for the much-needed change at the Centre.''

According to Mr. Prasada, the organisational elections could be made a starting point for the party's rejuvenation by implementing some of his suggestions. He has used the action plan to reiterate some of the issues that have formed the main plank of his campaign. The elections to all PCCs should be free and fair so that workers felt that their verdict was respected.

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