SPEECH
Concluding
remarks by the Congress President in the AICC Session,
Talkatora Stadium,
New Delhi on 24th May, 2002
Friends,
We
have come to the end of a long session. I am thankful to
all those who spoke. The points made by them will receive
my personal attention. There were many more who wanted to
speak but I am sorry we could not accommodate them. If these
colleagues could send me their suggestions in writing soon,
I will give thought to them. Most importantly, we must strive
to improve the welfare and well-being of kisans and khet
mazdoors. Our farmers and agricultural workers are facing
unprecedented distress and it is our paramount duty to address
their concerns urgently and meaningfully.
In
the morning, I had made four specific announcements that
called for follow-up on my part. First was the creation
of the Sadbhavana Ke Sipahi rapid action force. This
is a very important initiative. When I was putting together
my speech containing this idea, just one name crossed my
mind as the only choice to lead, motivate and organize this
anti-communal brigade. You would have guessed who I have
in mind. Sunil Duttji, now you have to take charge. You
have our full support. You have my complete backing.
Second,
as I had said, I will soon create the Council of Congress
Chief Ministers to provide a forum to discuss issues of
development regularly with emphasis on programmes for the
weaker sections of society. Third was the code of austerity
and ethics for all Congressmen and women which will be soon
circulated to all of you.
Fourth,
I had talked about another Pachmarhi-type camp. I am persuaded
that the time is ripe for another such chintan shivir.
Some CMs have already offered to hold it in their states.
There
were many other points that had been raised relating particularly
to governance in the fourteen Congress-ruled states. I trust
that our chief ministers will take follow-up action and
that AICC members will keep the pressure on us to ensure
implementation. Our chief ministers must not become complacent
and take things for granted. We face numerous challenges
which call for a relentless effort.
I
don't know how the current tension on the border is going
to work itself out over the next few days. I am as much
worried as all of you and indeed as all of the country.
I have been repeatedly saying that we support the government
in its efforts to stamp out cross-border terrorism and restore
peace in Jammu and Kashmir. But we are perplexed and confused
and disturbed by what different people in the government
say at different times. Talk of clouds, skies and lightening
may be good poetry but does not make for coherent and effective
diplomacy.
Normally
we should organise AICC meet bi-annually. But I feel we
need to be more practical. It will be justified to amend
the rule of bi-annual meets by an essential annual meet.
This should be followed in future. But, Pradesh Congress
executives committees should meet every month along with
bi-annual general body meetings of PCCs.
I
once again thank you all for the sentiments you have expressed
towards me today. It has made a lasting impression in my
heart. I get strength from your feelings. But I also understand
that a single person cannot do anything alone. We have to
work as a team. Everyone has a responsibility and a role
to play. We cannot achieve our goal if we do not understand
our responsibility as a team. Therefore, it is essential
that we keep aside our differences, our likes and dislikes
and our ambitions and only work to make the party strong.
If our organisation becomes strong then we automatically
make progress and feel satisfied.
I
feel that this meeting was called at a short notice. Still
you have gathered here in large number. I thank each one
of you for this. Before leaving this place, we must be thankful
to the Chief Minister of Delhi, Mrs. Sheila Dikshit and
the Delhi Pradesh Congress Committee Chief, Mr. Subhash
Chopra, and all office-bearers and workers, who have dedicated
their services to make this meet successful. I thank them
all on your behalf.
Thank
you
