Rajasthan : On the call of the Congress President, Mrs SOnia Gandhi, Rajasthan Pradesh Congress Committee successfully organised Sankalp Yatras all over the state on 115th Origin Day of the Congress party on December 28. Congress workers went to every nook and corner of the state to spread the policies and principles of the party.

One such Sankalp Yatra started from Jaipur underthe leadership of State Congress President, Dr Girija Vyas. It was flagged off by the Rajasthan Chief Minister, Mr Ashok Gehlot. Addressing the gathering, Mr Gehlot said that the Sankalp Yatra would go a long way in fostering the bond between the people and the party and the masses will be well acquainted with the tradition and policies of the largest demecratic party in the world. Mr Gehlot called upon the Congress workers to inform the people of the state about the welfare projects initiated by his government in the last one year. They should also ensure public participation in the development process.

In the first phase of the Sankalp Yatra, Dr Vyas addressed more than 100 public meetings. She said that Panchayati Raj was a gift of the Congress. Mrs Sonia Gandhi has taken upon herself to fulfill the dreams of the late Prime Minister for greater women participation in organisation and power, Dr Vyas said.

Karnataka : The Karnataka Chief Minister, Mr S.M. Krishna, said it would be his endeavour to make the administration as transparent as possible, and would be the hallmark of his Government. Speaking at a "Meet the Press" organised by the Mysore District Journalists Association, Mr Krishna said that his Government would make the best use of information technology in administration. Karnataka was the front-runner in the area of IT and its use in administration would be extendedto all spheres of activities.

The Chief Minister said he would take up periodoc review of district administration to ensure bureaucratic accountability in administration. Under the circumtances, "it is my desire to work like the chief executive of a corporation where bureaucratic blocks exist."

Replying to a question, Mr krishna said he had told his Ministers to be accountable and be available to people. "Our leader, Mrs Sonia Gandhi, seeks political accountability. She lays emphasis on maintaining the image of our Government. Even if we are not able to eradicate corruption, we would like to check it," he said.

On the cauvery issue, the Chief Minister said that his Government would pursue the matter in all sincerity. "We have an open mind on the issue. Our party has always felt that the row could be resolved through mutual negotiations," he said.

Delhi : People from all walks of life, including a large number of party workers and leaders, greeted the Congress President, Mrs Sonia Gandhi, on the occasion of her 53rd birthday on December 9 at her residence here.

The President, Mr K.R.Narayanan, and the Prime Minister, Mr A.B. Vajpayee, sent their greeting through their aids. The Delhi CM Mrs Shiela Dikshit, was among the first to first greet Mrs Gandhi. Among the others who called on the Congress President to congratulate her were the Chief Minister of Karnataka and Maharashtra. Mr S.M.Krishna and Mr Vilasrao Deshmukh, respectively, and Deputy Speaker of the Lok Sabha, Mr P.M.Sayeed.

Senior leaders, Mr K.Karunakaran, Mr V.N.Gadgil, Mr Jag Pravesh Chandra, Mr Jagdish Tytler, Mrs Mohsina Kidwani, Mr Anil Shastri and Mr Ajit Jogi were also present on the occasion.

Orissa : Mr Hemananda Biswal was sworn in here as the 16th Chief Minister of Orissa on December 6 at a simple ceremony at the Raj Bhawan. He was administered the oath of office and secrecy by the Governor, Mr M.M.Rajendran. Two other ministers, Mr Basant Biswal and Mr Jagannath Patnaik, were also sworn in.

Talking to the media after the swearing-in ceremony, Mr Biswal said that his government would give top priority to the relief and reconstruction work going on in the 14 districts of the State, which were hit by two devastating cyclones.

Earlier, on December 5, Mr Hemananda Biswal, was elected as the Congress Legislative Party (CLP) leader, following the resignation of Mr Giridhar Gamang. The 60-year-old Mr Biswal has become the Chief Minister of Orissa for the second time, he first held the post in December1989.