Speech

Face Challenges with Confidence: Sonia Gandhi
Closing Address of the Congress President in the Vichar Manthan Shivir held in Shimla on 9 July, 2003

We have come to the end of our deliberations. I thank each and every one of you for making the discussions participative and so enriching. The chairpersons, rapporteurs and panelists of the five groups have worked hard to make this Shivir a success. I have sat through the meetings of each group and have benefitted immensely from the lively and stimulating exchange of views and ideas.

The Shimla Sankalp that you have just heard reflects the consensus amongst us arrived at over the past two days. This Sankalp will be implemented fully, in letter and spirit. And I would welcome being held accountable for it by all of you. The Sankalp is our political charter, it is yet another milestone in our continued struggle against all forces of communalism and fundamentalism, against the BJP, the RSS, the VHP and the Bajrang Dal that seek to destroy social harmony and against the BJP-led NDA government that has proved to be such a colossal and massive failure.

After this Sankalp, I do not want to make a long speech. But there are two specific issues on which I would like to say a few words.

On coalitions, we formulated our stance at Pachmarhi and elaborated upon it in Bangalore two years ago. Let me quote from the political resolution that was adopted at that AICC Plenary : Taking into account the present political scenario, the Congress would be prepared to enter into appropriate electoral or coalition arrangements with secular parties on the basis of mutual understanding but always without compromising its basic ideology. Last month, at Srinagar I was once again asked about our stand on coalitions and I had said that we have an open mind. While reiterating all this, let me now add that the prevailing situation in the country makes it incumbent on all secular forces to intensify their efforts to evolve a strategy for combating communalism and religious fundamentalism and for ensuring the defeat of the BJP and its allies.

On Ayodhya, our position has been clear and consistent. We believe that the Ayodhya dispute must be resolved through the courts. All parties must abide by the judicial verdict. We are not against the facilitation of a negotiated settlement among the parties to the dispute. But such a settlement if reached must have complete legal sanction and sanctity. We also reiterate our firm commitment to the Protection of Places of Worship Act, 1992 that was enacted by the Congress and that freezes the status of all places of worship, other than that at Ayodhya, as of August 15, 1947.

We will depart after this meeting. Along with me everybody has the desire to stay here for some more time. But all of us know that this is not possible. We have to visit our respective areas and get engaged in our job - implement the Shimla resolution. The beauty of Shimla and its pleasant weather have refreshed all of us to fulfil our responsibilities. I thank the people of Himachal, chief minister Virbhadra Singh and his colleagues. They have taken full care of our needs and facilities. I thank Himachal Pradesh Congress President, Smt. Vidya Stokes, her colleagues, Congress workers and Congress office-bearers and I wish that all of you express your gratitude by forceful clapping. I also thank the members of the Sevadal, who have, as usual, contributed with their hard work and dedication to make this conclave a success. Peterhoff, where the conclave was held, has its own beautiful history. I also thank all the workers of this place, who have served us cheerfully. I also thank other workers and officers who have cooperated with us. The media also cooperated with us. I know these people must have faced some inconvenience but I hope they will understand our compulsions and pardon us.

You know, how many challenges we have to face in the coming times. Our resolve is unshakeable, our direction is clear, our determination is strong. With this self-confidence we have to go amidst people so that, in coming times, we will win the confidence and support of all sections of the people due to our principles, policies and programmes.

- Jai Hind