Letter to Congress Workers

Dear friends,

The Maharashtra and Arunachal Pradesh elections have testified to the resilience and strength of India’s Parliamentary democracy once again. The two state elections and the various by-elections were held in a fair and constitutional manner. Once again, the people of India have given their verdict in favour of the Congress and with our alliance partners, we have formed the government in both provinces. This has proved that the Congress Party’s win in the general elections was definitely a vote against the BJP and its divisive politics. It shows that the UPA charter of reforms with a human face, a focus on the needs of the ordinary man and on the needs of India’s rural sector, has been a resounding success with the people.

We must now ensure that this charter is implemented to the fullest and thank the people for their confidence and all our Congress workers for their untiring work for the Party’s success. We have to continue our hard work now to ensure our victory in the elections that are due in February. Our people should not become complacent or over-confident. Close contact with the grassroots is essential for us to represent the needs of the people and be able to articulate it at the policy planning level.

Parliament and the State Vidhan Sabhas are the pillars of democracy. This time when Parliament convenes for its winter session, we will endeavour to have it function smoothly. We hope that the BJP will accept the verdict of the people and cooperate with the government as a constructive opposition. Instead of disrupting the proceedings of the House, they should use Parliament as the place to raise issues that remind the government of its duty. That is the role of the opposition in a Parliamentary system of democracy. Let us not forget that our collective aim is to maintain the momentum of India’s economic growth while ensuring that the fruits of this growth reach the poorest of the poor. This is also the goal of the CMP. Our aim is development with equality and justice. These are not mere words. This is the aim of the Party and its government. And, all its members have to work as a team for this dream to come true.

I would like to wish all our readers a happy Diwali and a happy Eid. These two festivals have fallen close to each other after a long time and their mutual celebration is testimony to the long and harmonious relationship that has existed historically and culturally between the two communities. India today is representative of the rich cultural and religious diversity that can come together to form a vibrant, successful and secular democracy.