Speech

This is Ideological Battle
Opening address of the Congress President at the Vichar Manthan Shivir in Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, on 7 July, 2003

Members of Congress Working Committee, Members of Congress Election Committee, Members of Political Affairs Committee, Presidents of Pradesh Congress, Chief Ministers and leaders of legislative party, Office-bearers of AICC, friends and sisters,

Preamble :

Virbhadra Singhji gave us invitation to visit Shimla and just now we were welcomed. As far as I am concerned, I can only say that I am very glad to visit this beautiful place. My family has close and deep relationship with Himachal Pradesh and when I visit here I get a refreshing feeling. The people of Himachal have made many achievements in several fields and we should appreciate them. They have rejected BJP a few months ago. In the recent Assembly bye-election to three seats, Congress candidates emerged victorious. Once again, I congratulate my brothers and sisters of Himachal and I am confident that the rest of the country will follow the example set by them (the people of Himachal).

I also welcome all of you to this Vichar Manthan Shivir. There has been a big change in the political, economic and social scenario of the country after the Pachmarhi conclave. We have organized four AICC meetings and a session after September, 1998. We have held five meetings of our chief ministers. In addition to this, there were several important sessions and conferences, which include women’s empowerment conference and presidents of Block Congress.

But this Vichar Manthan Shivir has its own importance. We should get an opportunity to sit together frequently to look into our past, assess our achievements, debate and discuss things, think and take steps concerning the future. The fact is that we bog down so much in routine political work that we do not get time for this. Now, we have got the time for two-and-a-half days and we should make optimum use of it. As per the need of the hour, a political party should keep itself fresh and alive. There has been a constant change in viewpoints and aspirations of society causing new challenges to emerge before us. We should be in the forefront in deciding national goals and in the struggle of viewpoints.

Subject of the camp :

In general, we have to hold discussion on five topics. They are : Political Challenges, Rural Changes, Empowerment of Society, People-oriented welfare administration and Organizational Reforms. We have selected these topics keeping in view the jobs we have to undertake. What are the jobs?

We have to organize people against the dangerous and destructive policies of the BJP. We have to effectively counter the malacious and unfortunate propaganda launched against the Congress from time to time.

We have to keep reminding the people that the Congress is unique and there can be no match to it. Our viewpoints and political-prospects were necessary earlier too for the country and today also they are necessary. We should effectively propagate and popularize our agenda, priorities, achievements and contributions.

After this collective meeting, we will split into five groups. To further the discussion, background materials have been prepared on the five topics, copies of which have been distributed to all of you. I want that all of you openly and freely put forth your viewpoints. But do take care that we are gathered here to have discussion on views and not to discuss any individual. This is the time that we have to look within ourselves and discuss with each other honestly so that it results in a political work-plan. On the last day of this camp, we have to pass a "Shimla Sankalp" (Shimla resolution). The Guwahati Pledge and the Mt. Abu Work-Plan were for the State governments. The "Shimla Sankalp" is for the Congress Party, for the Indian National Congress, which is both in ruling and in the Opposition and which is preparing itself for the next Assembly elections and the Lok Sabha election.

Preparation for Lok Sabha election :

Elections are due to be held for five Assemblies within a few months. Among these, our governments are in four states. During our rule in these states, Congress governments have got the lists of their solid work and achievements. Everyone of us must make an attempt to propagate these achievements and people should be informed fully. Maintaining the unity of the party, all of us have to think about the party only. We have to keep the party’s interest above our pride and individual aspirations. The party will achieve success by our discipline, unity, work during the administration, economic progress, social welfare and our contributions. Nowadays, there is a rumour about holding Lok Sabha election before schedule. Today itself, I want to make it clear that the Congress is fully prepared for the election any time, whether it is held this year or the next year. I am fully confident that the countrymen are waiting for an opportunity to elect a new government so that they can root out the coalition government, led by the BJP, as early as possible.

Total failure of BJP :

I am saying this because its reasons are very clear. In spite of tall claims by the BJP, its failures can be seen in all spheres and it is widespread. Among its failure, I would stress on seven points.

The BJP-led coalition has miserably failed in the security matter. It has failed to effectively curb terrorism. Never in the past such terrorist attacks took place on a large scale. The worst thing is that the BJP is misusing the menace of terrorism to divide our society. The Home Minister perhaps is the only Home Minister against whom a chargesheet has been filed while he is holding his office and had promised to publish a White Paper on the activities of ISI. Four years have passed since the promise was made, the people of the country are still waiting for this White Paper. The Foreign Minister of this BJP-led coalition government himself escorted three hardcore terrorists to Kandahar to set them free safely. These terrorists are killing innocent men, women and children of our country. In spite of the Kargil instrusion in 1999, the NDA government has been careless in the matter of national security. But it is a matter of regret that hundreds of terrorist and extremists had occupied a large stretch of land for a long time at Hilkaka in a forest near Surankote in Jammu. I am surprised, why such things were allowed to take place.

In fact, the BJP-led coalition government has jeopardized the security of the country. During the last three years, not a small amount, but a big amount of 24,000 crore rupees was earmarked for the modernization of our armed forces. This fund was never used. Like this, the security system of the country has been weakened. During last-year, an amount of 4,200 crore rupees was collected as Kargil tax from income-tax payers with a promise that this amount would be spent to strengthen the security-system so that in future the incidents like Kargil do not re-occur. This amount was spent elsewhere, betraying the country. I am not alleging all this, but it is mentioned in the Parliament’s Standing Committee report. Not only this, regarding the Kargil war, the government’s security committee has pointed out the intelligence failure and have made suggestions for the security at our borders. With regret, I have to say that even after four years the government had not allowed discussion on the report in Parliament. Not only this, the C.V.C. report regarding defence deals was never placed before the P.A.C. of Parliament. There cannot be a better example than this to hurt the rights of Parliament and democracy. It has become a common thing relating to defence matter after the people watched the proofs of scandals related to defence deals on video film. A constitutional body like C.A.G. has even pointed out a scandal in the purchase of caskets for martyrs of Kargil war.

BJP and organizations like VHP and RSS have made attempts to seriously harm the secular fabric, peace and harmony in the country. India, which is specially known for its unity in diversity, has got its image lowered both within the country and outside the country. India is a country of various religions, where every religion is respected and gets an opportunity to blossom and flourish. For Congress, secularism is an avowed principle. We will protect it at all costs and fight against those who use religion to create division in society. Organizations like BJP, RSS, Vishwa Hindu Parishad and Bajrang Dal may say anything but they are not related to Hindu religion and Hindu way of living. These people deliberately present the distorted version of Hindu religion. This is part of their faulty viewpoint. The entire country knows that these people are even poisoning the education system. We have to reply to this and we cannot stop without challenging them.

The BJP-led NDA coalition government inherited a strong economic-system as a legacy of the Congress. It did not use it for the welfare of the people. Today, the country’s godowns are full of rice and foodgrains due to the policies of Indiraji and her strong determination that made India self-sufficient in agricultural produce. In spite of all this, this coalition government has miserably failed in providing food to the poor and other weaker sections of society. In spite of making tall promise of creating one crore jobs in the country every year, unemployment is rising alarmingly. The state-run industries and factories, which maintain balance in the economic system, strengthen the country, which were helpful in developing backward regions, gave jobs to lakhs of people, specially the weaker sections of society, are constantly being destroyed. Investments are not made in important sectors like agriculture and industries. Ever since the Congress relinquished governance in 1996, the rate of development has came down and the economic system has been ruined.

The BJP-led coalition government has ignored its basic responsibility towards rural India. Who does not know that still two-thirds of our people live in villages and work there. Giving political colours to rural development programme, they are being ruined. Golden-jubilee village self-employment plan has failed in all aspects. It is very painful to note that lakhs of farmers are suffering due to fall in their income and they are burdened with debt. It resulted in a large number of farmers being forced to commit suicide. This never happened in the past. The policy of Rajivji to bring a change in living standard of rural people through a plan, united efforts and through science and technology was kept aside.

The foreign policy of the BJP-led coalition government has neither cohesion nor strength nor clarity. In regard to the foreign policy, there had been a common view for the last five decades. Today, this is deliberately being destroyed. The independent foreign policy pursued by Nehruji and Indiraji had raised the standard of India in the world. Today, this has been weakened to a great extent. The BJP-led coalition government kept mum when the United Nations Organization was marginalised and when there was talk of "change of government" and "pre-emptive strike", the government kept quiet. Now the situation is that preparation is on to send Indian troops to Iraq. The Congress’s view is very clear in this regard. I had written to the Prime Minister that the Indian troops should not be sent unless there is a clear and separate resolution passed by the United Nations.

In spite of our continuous support, the viewpoint of the BJP-led coalition government in regard to Pakistan is oscillating. About four-to-five lakh Indian soldiers were deployed along the border with Pakistan for about nine months last year. Even strong statements were made in this regard. But what did the country gain from the "Operation Parakram"? Pakistan’s policy and deeds are still unchanged. In regard to Jammu and Kashmir, the Prime Minister and the Deputy Prime Minister say something in the country and when they go out of the country they talk about pact and speak about give and take. I want to ask what is this pact? And what this government wants to give?

The balance-sheet of the BJP-led coalition government in regard to honesty, accountability and transparency is condemnable. Its corruption has crossed all limits. In addition to corruption in defence deals, if we look into other scandals and frauds there is a long list of frauds and scandals which include U.T.I. , Petrol pump allotment, cooperative bank, privatization of industries and telecom. They have not even spared the historic Taj Mahal.

Why Congress ?

It is more than clear that the BJP-led NDA government has miserably failed the people of the country on security, defence, social harmony, economic growth, rural development, foreign policy and governance. Its time is up. The Congress Party’s time has come once again. It must now reclaim its rightful place. But why, apart from the BJP-led NDA government’s failures, should the people look to the Congress? Why does the country need the steady and soothing hand of the Congress today more than ever before?

Here is my answer.

The Congress is unique. Our uniqueness arises from several basic features of the Congress’s history, its character, its ideology and the legacy of its leadership. Let me enumerate some of them.

First, we remain the only All-India Party, the only national political force with a presence in each and every region of this vast country. The geographical distribution of our state governments indicates the enormous spread of the Congress.

Second, we are the only party that has a steadfast commitment to secularism. Most of us Indians are steeped in our own religions. Yet, we are respectful of each other’s faiths. That has been our greatest strength. But certain individuals, institutions and their ideologies are out to destroy this precious heritage. Only the Congress can protect all of India’s religions from these merchants of hate.

Third, we remain the only political party that appeals to and derives its strength and support from each and every section of our variegated society. Only in the Congress is the religious, linguistic, ethnic and regional diversity of our culture fully represented and respected. Only the Congress follows policies that reflect and respond to the aspirations of all people.

Fourth, we are the only party whose philosophy of governance combines economic growth with social cohesion, public investment with private initiative and meritocracy with equality of opportunity. Our governance philosophy is not captive to any dogma. Instead, it is anchored in a vision of an India that ensures each of its citizens a better quality of life and a life of dignity.

Fifth, we are the only party that believes that India has necessarily to be managed with a strong Centre, with effective states and with vibrant local self-government institutions, all working in close coordination and cooperation with each other. Rajniti Se Lokniti, Lok Sabha Se Gram Sabha is our constant commitment.

And Sixth, the Congress is the only party that has always placed the needs, concerns and interests of youth at the core of its agenda. Eighteen years ago, 40-year old Rajiv Gandhi as Prime Minister personally spearheaded India’s entry into the computer, IT and telecom era. It was he who gave the youth of our country a new education policy to equip them for a modern, scientific age. And it was he who gave our 18-year olds the right to vote.

Towards a new Political Culture

Friends, you all know that five years ago I was done the singular honour of being elected Congress President. Extraordinary circumstances brought me into active political life. The last five years have been a tremendous learning experience for me — and I should say that I am still learning. All along, it has been my desire to give respect and voice to the karyakarta across the country. I have been overwhelmed by the goodwill and affection that has been showered upon me. Whatever we have been able to achieve in the last five years has been a joint effort. In April 1998, the Congress had six chief ministers and participated in another state government. Today, we have 15 chief ministers and are participating in two other state governments. This is a collective contribution in which the state, district and block units have played a crucial role.

I meet a very large number of people every day both from within the party and outside. There is never any shortage of advice on any subject. I listen to all of them. I consult my colleagues. They are men and women of wide experience. We may not always agree but I do seek a consensus. Ultimately, the decision is mine. By nature, I not only want to do the right but I also want to do a thing right. It was not easy, for example, to decide what we did finally when the government was being formed in Jammu and Kashmir eight months back. But getting inspiration from what Rajivji himself had done in Punjab and Assam in 1985 and in Mizoram in 1986, I took the decision in the larger interest of our country.

All through this period, I have had one yearning — that is, that the Congress once again becomes the catalyst for a whole new political culture. The Congress has been the pre-eminent political force in our country for decades. It has been a vehicle for change and history. But we have been more than a mere political party. The Congress is actually an idea, an idea that has continuing relevance. Furthermore, our political ideology has always had a moral content, it has always been based on ethical values.

But we have to admit that over time the standards of political discourse in the country have fallen. Cynicism on politics and on politicians is increasing in many sections of our society. This is dangerous for the health of our democracy and of our civil society. I firmly believe that politics must once again become an ennobling instrument of social change and reform. Politics must unite, not divide. Politics must be constructive, not destructive. Politics must give shape to the future, not reinvent the past.

I see politics as being not just about fighting elections, crucial as they are. It is, at its very core, a process through which we identify ourselves fully with the people of the country, especially the poor, the disadvantaged and the deprived. It is, in its very essence, an enterprise through which we discover our potential for collective social enlightenment. I am convinced that the time is ripe for a massive renaissance of our political culture so that we build that society which combines compassion with competence, equity with excellence and integrates India’s global leadership with local transformation. Congress Ka Haath, Garib Ke Saath has to become our beacon both in substance and style. We must set the example by austerity and integrity in our public and private lives.

It is this concern for a new politics that promoted me last year to appoint a committee under the chairmanship of Dr. Manmohan Singh to suggest a more transparent and effective system for party financing. We were the first party to do so. The recommendations of this committee have already been given effect to but clearly more needs to be done. Recently, we were the only party to fully support the Supreme Court directive on disclosure of assets and their criminal background by candidates during elections. The BJP tried to circumvent this directive but fortunately, its efforts were thwarted. The directive is now the law of the land and we will give effect to it.

For me, the political empowerment of the weaker sections of society holds great personal meaning and commitment. Economic and social programmes are important but ultimately what the weaker sections are demanding — and rightly so — is their legitimate share in political power and governance. In December 1998 we made a small beginning by amending our Party Constitution by which we have reserved 30% of all posts in our organization for women and a minimum of 20% for dalits, adivasis, OBCs and minorities. We must redouble our efforts to implement these provisions fully.

There are many other initiatives that are needed to give politics a new meaning and direction. We do not always have to be in power to take these measures. Judicial, administrative and police reforms have to be made an integral part of our political mobilization strategy. Our frontal organizations must take it upon themselves to focus on the implementation of social legislation and making people aware of their rights. The Congress organization at all levels must reflect generational changes that are taking place so rapidly in our country. Political opportunities cannot be monopolized by just a few. Periodic training of all party members must be institutionalized. The code of austerity and ethics must be strictly followed and scrupulously enforced. The scope and range of ethics committees at the AICC and PCCs must be expanded and Congress party office-bearers everywhere must disclose and declare their assets regularly.

You may well ask whether all these lofty ideas will remain mere pronouncements or will be given concrete shape? Difficult as it is, a beginning has been made and I am determined to carry this process forward.

The Ideological Battle

Each succeeding generation of free Indians must make their mark on the pages of history. It is now for us to take the mighty pen of nationalism and write the message of our times and of our generation. This is all the more essential since the very idea of Indian nationhood which we have inherited and cherished is under sustained attack and assault. Who will live if this idea of India dies — of an India that is one and many at the same time. The idea of India should not be allowed to become narrow, parochial and filled with hate and bigotry. The concept of nationalism being propagated by the BJP and its ideological brotherhood is a complete distortion of all the values of our Freedom Movement and a total negation of our Constitution of which Dr. B.R. Ambedkar was one of the principal architects. More fundamentally, it is a willful repudiation of All that India has stood for over millennia.

Indian nationalism must continue to be liberal, open-minded, confident, rooted in the best of our traditions of mutual acceptance and accommodation. As Maulana Azad so eloquently described it in his Presidential address to the AICC session at Ramgarh in 1940, there has been a remarkable confluence of cultures, faiths and beliefs that has gone into the making of a composite India, that has gone into giving India its inner vitality and resilience. We must take the leadership role in the rediscovery of that nationalism that has set India apart as a unique country in the world. As much as our geography, our history has defined us. Now, it is being used to divide us. We will resist this politically. We will combat it ideologically.

And where and how do we begin this political and ideological battle? It must begin in young and impressionable minds where our political opponents are planting the seeds of bigotry, intolerance and hate. This battle against prejudice while instilling pride in our heritage must be launched in schools and educational institutions. For this purpose, I intend to set up a Bapu Sadbhavna and Shiksha Trust comprising eminent men and women committed to our vision of a modern, secular, progressive India. The trust will give shape and direction to enlightenment and excellence in our education system based on values espoused by our founding fathers. This is going to be a gigantic task. That is why I am making a fervent appeal to all sections of society who share this concern of ours to support us in this endeavour. Together, let us resolve to preserve and protect our India, let us resolve to celebrate its multiple diversities and nurture its many unities.

Conclusion

Friends, as we meet in these cool and comforting surroundings, surroundings that breathe history as it were, let us renew and reinforce our commitment. Let us pledge to persevere as a cohesive team in the cause of the party with dedication and determination. Let us always be guided and inspired by the life and message of Mahatma Gandhi. Let us also derive strength from that entire galaxy of outstanding Congressmen and women who followed in his footsteps. There is a new air of expectation all round. With the support and goodwill of the people, we will overcome all obstacles and bring our great country back on the path of Progress with Congress.

- Jai Hind