The Hindu : Talks on for poll tie-ups: Sonia

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Sunday, Dec 28, 2003

Front Page

Front Page

Talks on for poll tie-ups: Sonia

By Our Special Correspondent

The Congress president, Sonia Gandhi, holding a sword presented to her by the Pradesh Congress Committee during a public rally at Shivaji Park in Mumbai on Saturday. The Maharashtra Chief Minister, Sushil Kumar Shinde, is to her left. — Photo: Vivek Bendre

MUMBAI Dec. 27. The Congress is in the process of talking to like-minded parties in different States for poll alliances. Such partnerships would be in the interest of society and the country and not for seizing power, the party president, Sonia Gandhi, said today.

Addressing a rally here on the eve of the party's 118th foundation day, Ms. Gandhi said, "The Congress will enter into alliance with like-minded and ideologically similar parties to serve the country and its people."

Setting the tone for campaign amid talk of a snap Lok Sabha polls, she said that "if voted to power, our priority would be development and to tackle the issue of unemployment."

She said the Bharatiya Janata Partycompared its five years in power with 50 years of Congress rule, but the former had brought the country to the "brink of devastation." The country was now suffering from industrial setbacks leading to the closure of factories and unemployment. The agricultural policies of the BJP-led Government were responsible for farmers' suicides. She accused the BJP of indulging in "rumour mongering" on the mistaken belief that a lie repeated often would be believed. But the reality could not be hidden.

Addressing her first public meeting after the party's defeat in the Assembly elections in three States, Ms. Gandhi said that "victory and loss are part of the polls. But we have to march ahead and only those who do not lose their heart reach the destination."

The Maharashtra Chief Minister, Sushilkumar Shinde, said the whole country was "waiting for Ms. Gandhi to become the Prime Minister" and recounted the various steps taken by his Government at her instance.

But Ms. Gandhi disappointed many in Maharashtra who expected her to strike a cordial note in view of the Nationalist Congress Party leader, Sharad Pawar's latest overture that the issue of her foreign origin should be kept aside for now. She did not refer to Mr. Pawar's views on having an electoral tie-up with the Congress, though she spoke of alliances.

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

Front Page

News Update

Stories in this Section

Terrorism: India hopes for a `strong message'

Talks on for poll tie-ups: Sonia

ULFA wants talks through mediator

Disaster too huge for Iran to handle, says Khatami

Cricketers worried

Why treat us on a par with AIADMK, Baalu asks BJP