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A SHOW OF SOLIDARITY AND STRENGTH - Dr. Ravni Thakur

SONIA GANDHI'S VISIT TO HIMACHAL

The Nehru-Gandhi family has always had a special love for Himachal Pradesh. Pundit Nehru used to visit Manali regularly and after his death, an urn of his ashes, according to his wishes, found a home in Nehru Kund, near Manali. Smt. Indira Gandhi too, according to Smt. Sonia Gandhi, wanted to settle in Himachal in her old age. Fate, sadly denied her this pleasure and Himachal Pradesh the honour.

Keeping this tradition in mind, Smt. Sonia Gandhi, accompanied by Smt. Ambika Soni, made time in her very busy schedule to come to Shimla and lay foundation stone of the Congress Party Office, Rajiv Bhavan, on the 10 th of November. This is a milestone in the history of the Congress Party in the State since for the past fifty years, the office had been run from rented premises. The achievement of this goes to Smt. Vidya Stokes, President of the State unit and Shri Virbhadhra Singh, Chief Minister, who ensured that the project finally went through. This well-organized function which saw the presence of all MLA's and Ministers, was followed by a huge rally held at the historic Ridge. Smt. Gandhi's address at the rally was remarkable in its content and in the enthusiasm with which it was heard.

Smt. Gandhi pointed out that "Himachal will not face any hurdle in development as far as central assistance is concerned." She added that Himachal needed to promote its hydel-power resources and its tourism. Both had to be done keeping in mind the environmental constraints of the province. She also praised Himachal Pradesh as a state that had invested in the human development of its people and had a good record in terms of health and education. And Himachal does. It is a state that has not wasted state grants on corruption or inefficiency. Himachal is second in terms of literacy after Kerala. Its women do not suffer the ignominy of an oppressive male culture but believe and fight for their equality. Smt. Gandhi pointed out the importance of women's rights in her speech. But she also pointed out that the good work must not stop. As she said:

Hamhe badhte rahana chaiyey. Jab kadam rukte hain, to thehrav aa jaata hai.

Challenge ka muqabala kar ke hi duniya badalti hai aur itihaas aage badhta hai.

Smt. Gandhi also pointed out how the Shimla Sankalp last year had set in motion the programme and charter of the Congress Party. It was the victory of the Congress in Himachal that had heralded the downfall of the BJP at the Centre, showing how the people responded to the Congress charter _ reform but with equal benefits for all.

Himachal's Congress leaders were also aware of the great role that Smt. Sonia Gandhi has played in reviving the fortunes of the Congress Party and this was cleary brought out in the speeches of Smt. Vidya Stokes and Shri Virbhadra Singh. Smt. Stokes pointed out that Smt. Gandhi had displayed great leadership qualities and it was her personal aura that had won the hearts of the people. Shri Virbhadhra highlighted how the Congress would ensure that the programmes of the UPA were implemented in Himachal. Shri Anand Sharma pointed out how people had responded to Smt. Gandhi's leadership by voting out the BJP and its divisive politics. Smt. Sonia Gandhi's visit not only enthused ordinary party workers who came in droves to hear her speak, but also gave the Congress Party a new vision for Himachal. The foundation stone function and the rally showcased the unity and strength of the Congress Party and put paid to any talk of factionalism by successfully carrying out such a huge function. Harbhajan Singh Bhajji put it aptly when he said, "The people are united under the flag of the Congress Party."