Editorial

A New Resolve and A New Pledge

The first-ever Convention of the Presidents of Block and District Congress Committees in New Delhi was a resounding success, far beyond expectations. Apart from over 8,000 delegates to the Convention a large number of party leaders and workers from every nook and corner of the country converged on the Capital. Reflecting the new mood in the party, the participants were full of enthusiasm and optimism. A sense of confidence and conviction was writ large on their faces. This was the first time that village-level leaders were honoured with an invitation to visit the party High Command for an exchange of views. The enormous respect and reverence of the participants towards Smt. Sonia Gandhi who called the Convention, was apparent in the vast assembly of the party workers who included people of all ages - both men and women. For most of them, if not all, it was a rare occasion.

For the party it was an undeniable proof that the grassroot worker is fighting fit and ready to wage any battle in the cause of the noble principles that made the Congress party the true guardian of the destiny of Indians. The two-day Convention which was followed by a massive Desh Bachao rally at the historic Ramlila Grounds in the Capital conveyed to the nation two very crucial features of the contemporary political situation. The enthusiastic response to the call given by Smt. Gandhi for the Convention proved beyond doubt that people are looking towards her to rescue them from the misrule of the BJP and its allies. If the Congress victory in as many as 16 states constituting more than half of the population firmly indicated people’s choice, the Desh Bachao rally and the Convention showed the entire party is ready to march behind her to liberate the nation from the nefarious designs of the BJP. Secondly, the Convention and the rally showed that the Congress party will not permit the BJP to divide and destroy India.

Another very significant feature of the Convention is the extraordinary fearlessness and boldness exhibited by the scores of village level speakers in expressing their views. This true exercise of internal democracy in the party will augur well in strengthening discipline and keeping the partymen on the right path. Many spoke their hearts out and Smt. Sonia Gandhi welcomed it. She indeed responded promptly to their grievances. When some Block presidents complained of apathetic attitude of the party government and ministers towards grassroot workers, she did not mince words in telling the leaders to visit the party offices wherever they go and meet the workers.

She was so full of praise for them and for their work that she told them "you are our foot-soldiers, the infantry of the Congress brigade. You represent the lakhs of workers of our great party". That was a great morale booster for it was an honest acknowledgment of the role and services of those who constitute the base of the Congress party. In her opening address and concluding remarks, Smt. Gandhi reaffirmed the party’s commitment to the time-tested policies and declared in unequivocal terms her determination to fight for upholding them, no matter what the cost be.

And, she got full support of the party represented by the Convention delegates who cheered her resolve with thunderous applause. Smt. Gandhi assured them that "no power in the world can block the progress of an organisation that follows its principles and policies and moves with determination". The five-point follow-up of action plan she placed before the Convention will further strengthen the party as an instrument to protect, promote and preserve the best of India for the present and future generations. It was a new resolve and a new pledge.