The Hindu : National : Controlling inflation highest priority, says Sonia

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Monday, Aug 04, 2008
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Controlling inflation highest priority, says Sonia

Special Correspondent

NEW DELHI: Congress president Sonia Gandhi has said that winning the trust vote in the Lok Sabha “with an overwhelming majority” was a “vindication” not only of the India-U.S. Nuclear agreement but also an endorsement of the United Progressive Alliance government’s policies.

In a letter to Congresspersons in the latest issue of party mouthpiece Sandesh, Ms. Gandhi asked the party workers to explain to the people the “correctness” of the government’s stand on the nuclear deal, particularly that “it will enable the country to generate more electricity, while fully protecting our national sovereignty and our defence interests. The agreement will benefit our farmers, our families, our trade and industry and our economy.”

Ms. Gandhi decried attempts by political opponents to give a communal colour to the pact. “It will benefit India and Indians irrespective of caste, language, region or religion.”

“With the nuclear deal on path,” controlling inflation was the highest priority of the government. “The government can now concentrate single-handedly on ensuring that the inflation rate [that touched 11.98 per cent] was brought down,” she said, adding that Prime Minister was personally monitoring the situation.

Ms. Gandhi cautioned party workers against becoming complacent following the government’s victory in the trust vote. Increase in international prices of crude oil and other commodities had an impact on the domestic prices of essential commodities.

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