Letter to Congress Workers

Dear friends,

I would like to thank all of you for your unstinted support and untiring effort in defeating the BJP-led NDA in the Lok Sabha elections. I would also like to thank our poll alliance partners who fought the elections with conviction and confidence. We have kept our promise to the people to relieve them of the gingoistic and communal rule of the BJP-led NDA at the Centre. It was a historic battle of ballot which we fought despite heavy odds and unending vilification campaign by the BJP. It goes to the credit of the wise Indian voters that they outrightly rejected the BJP's false claims of `India Shining' and personal attacks. A new era has begun in our history and we all have a new task before us. We shall strive to face this new challenge unitedly with our allies and other parties which extended support to our coalition.

The dismal five-year rule of the BJP-led NDA has left the nation bruised. The time-tested social and cultural ethos of the people had been trampled mercilessly. Lopsided economic policies of the NDA distorted the nation's economy, causing severe damage to primary productive sectors like agriculture. Several other areas like health and education too suffered immensely. Our first task would be to restore the confidence of the people who are looking for relief. While at the governmental level we will formulate proposals and programmes to tackle the problems facing the people, at the party level a concerted effort would be made to maintain regular contact with people. Mass level contacts must remain our cardinal approach to people. During my padayatras I was overwhelmed by the response of the people. I now know that so much needs to be done in the rural sector. The farmer community and the rural population which constitute majority of our population has been completely neglected by the NDA regime. Rural India is in dire straits and needs to be attended to on a priority basis. People are looking towards us with hope. They reposed faith in our party and stood by us in the election. Only through mass contacts can we know what is really bothering the people, what are their real problems and what measures are required to be taken to redress them.

I know you are all very upset by my decision to decline the post of the Prime Minister. I am deeply moved by your love and affection. As you all know I have always said that personal power and positions are not my objectives. I entered politics out of a sense of duty and commitment. That commitment remains unchanged. I have named Dr. Manmohan Singh to be the leader of the Congress Parliamentary Party and Prime Minister. I have always admired him. I would like you all to extend him full support. I assure you I am one of you and nothing will ever change that. We have a great task ahead. The responsibility of a political party does not end with winning an election. Infact, it begins.

We all share the dreams of Rajivji to take India forward to the front ranks in the comity of nations. Let us resolve to fulfil his dream. I once again thank you all for excellent support and hard work.

Jai hind.