The Hindu : National : Congress alone can guide the country, says Chidambaram

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Sunday, Apr 10, 2005

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Congress alone can guide the country, says Chidambaram

By Our Special Correspondent

SALEM, APRIL 9. The Union Finance Minister, P. Chidambaram, said here today that the world respected India because of the Congress leadership at the Centre.

Participating at a meeting on the Union Budget, the Minister said the Congress alone could guide the country on the proper path and fulfil the people's wishes. "It has quality leadership and hence I could discharge my duties for the welfare of the people," he said.

The ties with the neighbouring countries such as Pakistan and China had improved. "Despite various problems and friction, we maintain a warm relationship with Pakistan. The Chinese Premier has also come to the country. This was possible only because of the Congress leadership at the Centre," he said.

After the Congress-led Government assumed power, there had been no communal and caste clashes in the country. "The Congress will deal the communal and caste conflicts with an iron hand. It is a secular government that provides total security to the minorities and not the one of religious fundamentalists," he added.

He said the Assembly polls for Tamil Nadu would be held in 12 months for which the Congress should be ready. The polls, he said, would usher in a change in the government, a government that would support the one at the Centre.

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