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January 20, 1998

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Congress will go full throttle on reforms: Sonia



Sonia Gandhi today declared that the Congress, after returning to power at the Centre, would accelerate the pace of economic reforms but would also keep in mind the interests of the poor and the downtrodden.

Addressing a well-attended public meeting in Bhilai in Madhya Pradesh, she regretted that the pace of economic reforms, initiated by her slain husband Rajiv Gandhi, had slowed down because of political instability caused by frequent formation and fall of non-Congress governments. She delivered her 15-minute speech in Hindi.

Accompanied by her daughter Priyanka Vadra, Sonia announced that the Congress would continue its struggle against poverty, unemployment, inflation and ensure uplift of women, the poor and weaker sections.

Stressing the need for a stable government at the Centre, Sonia said the Congress alone could ensure stability.

Amid applause, she said the Congress had always protected the interests of people of all religions and castes and showed no discrimination against anyone.

Sonia recalled that Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru had laid sound foundation for a strong and self-reliant economy while Indira Gandhi worked for the uplift of the poor and weaker sections of society.

She said Rajiv Gandhi also served the nation with 'total dedication'.

''Serving the nation is the tradition of my family,'' she said, adding that she herself had toured remote villages along with her husband on several occasions to understand the problems of the people.

She said Indira Gandhi had showed the people a way to serve the nation and she sacrificed her life to protect the unity and integrity of the nation. ''Their efforts and sacrifices had caused an impact on me,'' she added.

Stating that the country was at the crossroads, she said she had decided to come forward as it was her duty to work for the country and for the Congress.

Urging the people to help the Congress secure an absolute majority, Sonia said her party would continue the efforts initiated by Rajiv Gandhi for the country's overall development and to ensure prosperity.

Sonia began her speech in a local dialect -- Chhatisgarhi -- by addressing the gathering as 'bhai bahen man.' The crowd responded with thunderous cheers. Slogans like 'Rajiv Gandhi amar rahe' and 'Sonia Gandhi zindabad' rent the air when the former prime minister's widow said she considered herself as a daughter of 'Bharat Mata' and added, ''I am here in this capacity.''

Priyanka, on persistent requests from the crowd, spoke in Hindi, seeking votes for the Congress.

At the outset, Sonia expressed her sympathies with the families of those killed in the police firing at Multai in Betul district on January 12.

Chief Minister Digvijay Singh regretted that the United Front government at the Centre did not provide any assistance to the state to provide relief to the farmers, who had suffered crop damage due to hail storm and excessive rains.

The entire gathering raised their hands in support when Singh said the people of this country want Sonia in active politics. ''You have given a new life to the Congress,'' he added.

Speaking at another public meeting in Bhubaneswar, Sonia accused the United Front government at the Centre of leading the country to disaster in the last 17 months. She said corruption and atrocities on women had increased during the period.

EARLIER REPORTS:
Empty coffers threaten Sonia's campaign
Sonia's charisma sways Congress in Kerala
Crowd cheers though Sonia takes the beaten track

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