The 80th Plenary Session of the Indian National Congress started its sitting at 9:30 on 9th August, 1997 at Netaji Subash Nagar, Calcutta. The Congress President Shri Sitaram Kesri, who was escorted to the dais by the steering Committee members, PCC Presidents, leaders of the Congress Legislature Parties, members of the Reception Committee and Sevel Dal volunteers in a ceremonial procession. 7,844 delegates were present.

The proceedings of the session began with the singing of VANDE MATARAM.

Welcome Address

Shri Somen Mitra, President, West Bengal Pradesh Congress Committee and Chairman, Reception Committee welcomed the delegates and other distinguished guests.

Souvenir

The Congress President released the Souvenir specially brought out by the West Bengal PCC on the occasion of the 80th Plenary Session. At this stage, Smt. Sonia Gandhi, who was specially requested to attend the session, joined the proceedings. The delegates gave her a standing ovation.

Presidential Address

The Congress President, Shri Sitaram Kesri then delivered his presidential Address.

In his address, the Congress President said: "I welcome you to this 80th Session of Indian National Congress in historic city of Calcutta. When I look at your face and at the portraits of the founders and leaders of the Congress hanging around the walls of this hall, I have a feeling of awe and reverence. Your faces remained me of the tremendous responsibility you have entrusted upon me. These portraits remind me of the dedication, sacrifice, courage and commitment needed for this office. With all humility I can assure you I am aware of the gravity of the challenges and of my own responsibility.

" Indian National Congress, the very name conjures of visions of a galaxy of freedom fighters and their struggle to free the nation from the yoke of British Colonial rule, Infact this saga of struggle and sacrifice represented the history of the nation during the past 100 years. Thus the history of Indian National Congress and that of the nation very closely intertwined, a distinction which few other political parties could lay claim.

"The Congress was born in 1885 but the birth pangs started decades before in the back drop of tyranny and oppression practiced by the agents of the East India Company and finally took direct control of Governance in 1858.

" But, there was no improvement in the situation. The Government of India even after its assumption by the crown, continued to carry on the legacy of East India Company. National Life in its protean aspects was in a state of ferment as early as the prophet of Indian nationalism. His name is associated with two great reforms: abolition of Sati and Introduction of Western learning into the country. When he went to England as the Ambassador of Mughal Emperor to plead his cause he took the opportunity to place some of the pressing Indian grievances before a committee of House of Commons. He presented three petitions before the committee: i ) on the revenue system ii) on the judiciary system iii) on the material condition of India.

Different movements in different parts of the country like Brahmo Samaj movement of Bengal, the Arya Samaj movement in North- West, theosophical movement in South furnished the necessary correctives to the spirit of heterodoxy and even heresy which the western learning brought with it. The launching of Rama Krishna Mission by Swamy Vivekanand marked another phase of national renaissance prior to the Congress. Besides these movements, number of organizations such as British Indian Association and Indian Association of Bengal, the Bombay Association, the HINDU Newspaper in Madras, the Puna Sarvajanik Sabha in Maharashtra, Madras Mahajan Sabha and Bombay Presidency Association played great roles in kindling the spirit of nationalism. Great men like Rajendra Lal Mitra. Ramgopal Ghose, Surendra Nath Banerjee, Anand Mohan Bose of Bengal, Sh. Mangalbhai, Noroji Furdunji of Bombay, M. Veeraraghavavachariar, Rangiah Naidu, G. Subramaniam Iyer of Madras, K.L.Nulkar, S.H. Chipolonkar of Puna, Pherozshah Mehta, K.T. Telang and Tyabji of Bombay were some of the pioneers of this great movement.

"Therefore, there was no wonder when Mr. A.O.Hume in his memorable soul-stirring letter to the graduate of the Calcutta University dated 1st March, 1883 asked for 50 men good, true, unselfish, with moral courage, self- control and active spirit of benevolence, the response was great. Not 50 but 72 such persons, assembled at Gokuldas Tajpal Sanskrit College of Bombay on 28th December, 1885 and established Indian National Congress.

"Indian National Congress launchaed its struggle for freedom and after a heroic struggle of six decades at midnight af 14th- 15tyh August 1947 when the whole world was asleep India Awoke from Shamber of centuries.

"I pay my respectful homage to all those gallant freedom fighters and martyrs whose indomitable spirit and sacrifice shook the foundation of the British imperialism. Mahatma Gandhi struck final blow to the tottering empire through new weapons of non-violence and non-cooperation. The struggle launched by Gandhiji was unique in its character. There was no precedent in history of this struggle. Finally the colonial masters had to quit India fifty years ago. The city of Calcutta, which was the citadel of British Imperial power, was also the cradle of Indian Nationalism. It is on this soil the first shot for freedom was fired.

"So, I would like to take this opportunity of saluting all those great should of Bengal like Raja Ram Mohan Roy, Swami Vivekananda, Shri.Aurobindo, Ravindra Nath and many others who were harbringer of changes in our part of the world.

"A grateful nation is celebrating birth centenary of Netaji Subash Chander Bose. Netaji represents the indomitable spirit of man, which does never compromise with evil and untruth. His valor, vision and sacrifice are one of the brightest spot in the history of our freedom struggle. We salute this great son of mother India.

"After Independence grateful nation entrusted the responsibility upon Congress to built a new India. Under the dynamic leadership of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru and successive Congress Prime Ministers, Congress has discharged its responsibility with courage, conviction and dedication. India has not only emerged as the largest functioning democracy of the world but also one of the most vibrant, modern developing economy having immense potentialities of emerging as a great economic power in the near future. Its technological base, varied capabilities in the field of manufacturing infrastructure and service sectors of economy, its near self-dependence and its capacity of producing most of its needs demonstrate the effectiveness of the policy perused by successive Congress Governments all these years. India occupies a unique position in the international community as a founder of Non- alignment Movement and as an ardent exponent of peace. We salute those millions of known and unknown heroes who made this possible.

" We are fully aware that there is no room for complacency and we shall have to go a long way to reach our cherished goal of wiping out every drop of tear from every eye.

"Today and tomorrow you will deliberate on various issues, articulate your views, analyzing the current situation and work out the future programme. Your decisions will guide me to carry on the programme of Congress.

"In its long history, Indian National Congress had to face many ups and downs but neither success has inflated its ego nor failure has dampened its spirit. Indian National Congress accepted the challenges with courage and conviction and overcame those challenges with ease. Therefore, the electoral reverses in the recent years have not discouraged millions of Congressmen and women all over the country. They know that Congress is dedicated to the service of the people whether it is in power or out of power. This spirit of service will be the motive force of congress in future too.

"In Last general election to 11th Lok Sabha Congress failed to get majority and accepted the verdict of the people with all humility. Election results, when finally declared clearly demonstrated that no party or group of parties can from any Government without direct or indirect support of Indian National Congress. In this context, on 12th of May1996 Congress Working Committee met and passed a resolution extending its support to the secular political parties in their efforts to form government at their center. Yhe other alternative was to allow BJP-Shiv Sena combination to form government with Congress remaining neutal. Congress can never support overtly any communal combination to form government. It was against the very basic principle of Congress. The third alternative to have another general election with weeks could have been construed as reckless adventurism.

"BJP formed the Government at the Centre but it did not last more than 13 days. Thereafter the leader of the 13 parties United Front, Shri H.D. Deve Gowda was invited by the president to form Government on 1st June 1996. Congress supported United Front Government. " Congress and to withdraw support from UF government on 30th March 1997.

"Shri Deve Gowda had to resign on11th April 1997 when his motion seeking confidence of Lok Sabha was rejected because of the withdrawal of support by Congress from UF Government.

" I would not like to go into the details of the reasons for withdrawing support from the UF. It would suffice to say that the basic reason for support of UF by Congress at the Center was to consolidate secular forces and to confront communal forces. However this did not happen. Instead of checking the growing communal menace with the help of Congress. A section of the UF and its leadership started marginalizing Congress. Some political parties completely ignoring the ground reality indulged in their old anti-Congressism. This led too a situation where Congress had no option but to withdraw support from the United Front government. No self- respecting party can tolerate indignation and marginalisation.

"However, Congress extended its support to another UF government headed by Shri. I.K. Gujral on the basis of better coordination and understanding.

" An issue regarding future pattern of government at Center is being debated. According to a school of thought we have reached an era of coalition and the days of the single party majority rule are over. This thesis is anchored to the philosophy that cooperative federalism can be operationalised in a better manner through a coalition government of regional parties at center. This thesis is erroneous, dangerous and factually incorrect.

"Out of 50 years of parliamentary form of government in this country, we had single party majority rule at Centre for forty five years and six coalition governments in a period of five years in three phases. It is too simplistic to come to such a conclusion from the results of one or two general elections. The voting behavior of Indian electorate completely rejects the thesis that they have lot of confidence in single party majority rule. Those parties who can never come to power at Centre on their programme or on their own strength vigorously carry on this propaganda. This is an attempt to give legitimacy to their stay in corridor of power.

"The belief that cooperative federalism could be effectively implemented through a combination of regional parties forming Government at the Centre is equally dangerous. The experts have defined Indian federal structure and its effectiveness has passed the test of time. There is well laid out mechanism in our Constitution and through this elaborate arrangements various disputes and disagreements have been settled amicably in the past and the single party majority rule did not stand in their way. Therefore, if this idea is allowed to grow it will only endanger the pluralistic characteristic of our society and will cause great harm to Indian unity and integration. I have no doubt that people of this country will reject this theory.

"The emergence of BJP occupying a prominent place in Indian political arena and occupying the position of the single largest party cannot be over looked as just the growth of a political party in parliamentary system. Since 1989 election this party is increasing its strength in Lok Sabha and in some of the State Assemblies. The ascendancy of the communal forces and their attempt to confuse the people of this country on religious issue was a reality that had to be contended with. In its long history Indian National Congress has stood for secularism. Congress firmly believes without democracy and secularism the pluralistic character of Indian society cannot be retained. Forces trying to communalize politics in the name of religion are active since long. BJP is just not an ordinary political organization but is the latest manifestation of the communal political programme spearheaded by organizations like RSS. The venom and hatred unleashed by this movement not only killed Mahatma Gandhi but also were largely responsible for communal riots in the sub-continent over the last five years.

"Forty five years ago in this very city of Calcutta at the AICC session held on May 22nd-23rd, 1952 the nation was warned of danger of communalism. A call was given to fight against all forms of communal and separatist forces. But we failed to respond to that call and the communal virus is eating our body politic today.

"In this very city in July, 1988 Marxist Communist Party accorded political respectability of BJP by inviting them to join the front against Indian National Congress. This action of the CPI(M) helped BJP to come out of political solution and gave them much needed political respectability. Blind anti-Congressism of the so-called secular political parties helped BJP to strengthen itself. I appeal to the people of this country particularly Congressmen and women to rise against the growing menace of communalism which ultimately leads to the disintegration of the nation.

"In formulating its policies Congress has always been guided by famous Talisman Gandhiji gave to us, I quote" recall the face of the poorest and the weakest man you have seen and ask yourself if the step you contemplate is going to be if any use to him: will he gain anything by it? Will it restore him to control his own life and destiny? In other words, will it lead Swaraj for the hungry and spiritually starving millions?" For the Congress Party this has been the fundamental guiding tenet for all our policies.

"Indiraji gave us the slogan of Garibi Hatao" along which the whole Congress Party was rejuvenated and the Government policies were reoriented. The poor were to be given their rights and endowed with capital assets. They were to expand their capabilities through education and skill formation, through credit and other financial support, through public health and nutrition programme, through rural employment, housing, water supply and sanitation projects through institutional and financial support for self employment in tiny sectors and small and small enterprises. An orientation was given to our planning process with a composition of growth to different sectors, which not only stimulated rapid employment oriented growth but also aimed at lifting the vast masses of people above the poverty line. The 20 Point Programme became the " Magna Carta" of the poor and down trodden.

"In 1991 we introduced economic reforms by liberalizing trade policy, industrial policy, investment policy and by removing plethora of control and regulations. Our policy had never been dogmatic but always had adequate flexibility to adjust itself with the changing situation nationally and internationally. But Congress cannot forget the goal of poverty eradication, which had been at the centre stage of economic policy formulation and planning process over the years. Therefore, for the last 50 years Indian National Congress has formulated its economic policies for self -reliance. In addition to this pro-poor identity of the congress, our party has been known as the champion of a self- reliant modern industrial economy. It meant not only that we should be able to pay for all import through expanding our own export earnings and reducing our dependence on foreign aid and foreign borrowings, but also to build up our own industrial base and production structure. This should be achieved through our own enterprise and investment, through the formation of our own sills and developing our own base of technology. We welcome foreign investment or flow of foreign technology but they must strengthen our own base and absorption of technologyand should not supplant our own industry or enterprise. Since1991 flow of foreign investment has increased and foreign technology is being liberally imported. However, we shall have to keep in mind while formulating our policies that such foreign investment should not be allowed to destroy our domestic capacity and enterprise. We should be very much on our guards about foreign investments. Foreign investment must bring technology and contribute to our industrial base or export potential. It must not be allowed to push our domestic industries from their existing markets because of its financial and marketing advantages. Economic policies are meant for the upliftment of the poor. It can never be meant for the elite. After 50 years of independence if a poor man asks us what is there for me? We must find an answer. We cannot remain behind closed door. All doors must be open for the poor.

"For over a hundred years the Indian National Congress has guided the destiny of Indian and successfully established the fundamental principles which has guided our Foreign Policy. Non-alignment, peaceful co-existence, mutual cooperation, non-interference, respect for territorial integrity and sovereignty, ending of a nuclear threat for world, upholding human dignity and protecting human rights are some of the basis tenets of our foreign policy.

"Mahatma Gandhi and Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru led our freedom struggle not in isolation, confined to Indian alone. They established a close link with anti-imperialist struggle in other parts of the world. Our fight against the mightiest forces of the world was symbol of a struggle against colonial rule all over the world.

"It is a matter of satisfaction that a board national consensus has been built up on our foreign policy cutting across the party line. One of the salient features of our foreign policy is to improve our relations with our neighbors and we have worked in these lines.

"Resumption of dialogue between India and Pakistan is encouraging as there is no other way of resolving he disputes between these two countries. However, one is to be aware that in old diplomatic relation there is no room for romantism as no country can sacrifice the basic national interest to accommodate the desire of others. In our discussions with Pakistan we should proceed step carefully and should not make any overture which may be construed as weakness. Recently concluded agreements between India and Bangladesh on sharing Ganges water at Farakka point, between India and Nepal on Mahakali river basin development project are positive indications of India's willingness to accommodate the desire of our neighboring countries without compromising vital national interests. Initiatives taken by the earlier Congress Governments to convert the SAARC region into South Asian Free Trade Area (SAFTA) should be pushed forward so that this region can emerge as a powerful economic block in near future. In dealing with our neighbouring countries we must impress upon them that their lands should not be allowed to be used for subversive activities against India. Path breaking efforts initiated by late Rajiv Gandhi to improve our relations with China have started yielding results in opening border trades between these two countries and taking a great step to defuse tension in the border area.

"I would like to remind the delegates that India is not all interested in joining arms race but would not be wanting in taking all necessary steps to meet our threat perceptions and to secure out international border. I take this opportunity of congratulating our brave jawans and officers of our armed forces who are defending our motherland. Their valour, courage and patriotism are our national assets. "Before I conclude I would like to say a few words about our youth. Recognising the potentiality of the youth forces Rajivji reduced the voting age from 21 to 18 years. He believed that youths should have a larger say in choosing the rulers of the country. I fully agree with his idea. I am confident that future of our motherland is safe at the hands of the youth. They will have to steer the nation facing challenges. In the Congress organisation I wish to assign more important roles to younger leader. I am happy to note that most of the PCC President are young. I have no doubt that the larger participation of the youth in the organizational affairs will strengthen party.

"Fellow delegates in the proceeding paragraphs I have outlined the important points of our future action plan. You will deliberate on these issues when different resolutions are placed before you for your consideration. I am looking forward for your deliberations. "In conclusion I would like to place on record our appreciation for the thousands of Congress men and women of West Bengal who are valiantly fighting to protect the rights of the people against the anti people policies of Left Front Government. A large number of them have been fabricated to various forms of suffering. Yet their indomitable spirit has been dampened. They have kept the Tricolour flag high. Almost in every election Congress secures 40 to 42% of the total votes polled and in the last general election they have improved their strength substantially. I do hope in future Congress will return to power with the support of people.

"Not long ago I was accused of being an old man in a hurry. Well, I am old but I look to the future, I am looking to the next millennium, to an Indian that is strong, prosperous and egalitarian. And I must confess, I am in a terrible hurry. This old man is in hurry to liberate the youth of India from the bonds of desperation and despondency. I want to tell them India belongs to you, Congress belongs to you. This is in a hurry to liberate the minorities in this country from the bonds of fear. Yes, I am in a hurry to tell the minorities that India will always remain a secular nation, where all religions will enjoy equal protection and where no religious community will have to compromise its self-respect. And this old man is hurry to liberate the dalits from the bonds of indignities and insults. I am in a hurry to tell them that no one can deny them their rightful share in national power and national resources. And I am in hurry to tell one and all that the era of unearned and underserved privileges is over, that national prosperity has to be shared reasonably among all. And, I am also in a hurry to tell the captains of our industry that liberalization must be for all, must be seen to be for all - not just for the rich or for the upper middle class. And I am in a tearing hurry to tell the Congressmen, especially the youth, that I want to put an end to this culture of corruption that has blemished the face of this great organisation. And, yes this Old Man is in a hurry to prepare the Congress, rejuvenate it, re-energize it to take over in Delhi in a few years' time. Because Congress alone is capable of keeping the country together, because the Congress itself is the most successful coalition the world has known, because Congress is the only Party of Independence, and now it will be the party of Second Independence, a party of next phase of nation-building of economic rejuvenation. Congress will preside over a New India unchained, will release its best creative, best entrepreneurial, scientific and cultural energies. Under Congress, this tiger too shall roar. And, one more thing let me tell you that for last sixty-five years I have worn this Gandhi cap with pride. I am proud to be Congressman. Proud to be a Congress Worker, I want each one of you to take equal pride. Our past was illustrious; our future is bright and promising.

Many years ago appreciating the enterprising zeal of Bengal Gopal Krishna Gokhale observed, "What Bengal thinks today India thinks tomorrow". Reiterating his appreciation I am optimist that Congressmen and woman of Bengal would take a lead in rejuvenating the Congress in the whole country. Rishi Bankim Chandra gave us the mantra of "Vande Mataram" : Kaviguru Rabindra Nath gave us our national song "Jana Gana mana" and Swami Vivekananda taught us that every Indian high or low is my brother. The land from where these inspiring messages were conveyed in past, today giving a clarion call to all Congressmen and women -ARISE AWAKE AND ACHIEVE."

Appeal to Smt. Sonia Gandhi

Following conclusion of his Presidential Address, Shri Sitaram Kesri appealed to Smt. Sonia Gandhi to actively associate herself with the party. The younger generation of Congressmen were looking towards her to guide the destiny of the Congress. Shri Kesri said that this should be treated as an invitation from the institution of Congress President.

Smt. Sonia Gandhi Addresses the Delegates

The delegates repeatedly expressed their eagerness to hear Soniaji.

The Congress President requested Smt. Sonia Gandhi to address the delegates.

Smt. Sonia Gandhi, though reluctant to speak, came to the mike and said that she had no intention of making a speech but honouring the sentiments of Congressmen, she would say a few words.

In her brief speech she said that during the course of his Presidential Address at the historic Congress Centenary Session in Bombay in 1985, her husband had raised some vital questions, which needed to be considered seriously.

She quoted Rajiv Gandhi: "…

What has become of our great organisation? Instead of a party that fired the imagination of the masses throughout the length and breadth of India, we have shrunk, losing touch with the toiling millions. It is not a question of victories and defeats in elections. For a democratic party, victories and defeats are part of its continuing political existence. But what does matter is whether or not we work among the masses, whether or not we are in tune with their struggles, their hopes and aspirations. We are a party of social transformation, but in our preoccupation with governance, we are drifting away from the people. Thereby, we have weakened ourselves and fallen prey to the ills that the loss of invigorating mass contact brings…

"…As we have distanced ourselves from the masses, basic issues of national unity and integrity, social change and economic development recede into the background. Instead, phoney issues, shrouded in medieval obscurantism, occupy the center of the stage… "…

Our ideology of nationalism, secularism, democracy and socialism is the only relevant ideology for our goal country. But we are forgetting that we must take it to the masses, interpret its content in changing circumstances, and defend it against the attacks of our opponents… "…

Mahatma Gandhi visualized the Congress as a fighting machine. Time and again we have demonstrated our fighting qualities in the great non-cooperation movement of the twenties and thirties, in our Quit India movement of 1942, in the fifties and sixties, early seventies and late seventies…

"…This is our tradition. We have to revive this tradition to fight for the poor and the oppressed. Only by doing so shall we gain the strength to create the India of our dreams… "…

We must once more generate a mass movement based on Congress ideology to fulfill this momentous task. Only with such a movement can we cleanse the party and the nation. The inner strength of our people, their unbounded patriotism, their unshakable commitment to social justice, and their aspiration for a strong and prosperous India will destroy and ugliness and enrich the creative ground of India's greatness."

Smt. Sonia Gandhi concluded, "Today, on the auspicious occasion of the 80th Plenary Session of the Indian National Congress and on the 50th anniversary of our independence, let us all Congressmen and women rededicate ourselves to this task".

Freedom Fighters Honored

The Congress President and Smt. Sonia Gandhi walked up to the Freedom Fighters, present on the occasion, and honored them with mementos.

Golden Jubilee Resolution

Smt. Rajinder Kaur Bhattal (Punjab) moved the Golden Jubilee Resolution as earlier passed by the Subjects Committee

Shri C.K. Jaffar Sharief (Karnataka) seconded the resolution.

Shri Saugata Roy (West Bengal), Smt. Omem Moyong Deori (Arunachal) and Shri Pramod Tiwari (Uttar Pradesh) supported the resolution.

The Golden Jubilee Resolution was adopted unanimously.

Political Resolution

Shir Madhavrao Scindia moved the Political Resolution as earlier passed by the Subjects Committee. Shri P.R. Das Munshi (West Bengal) seconded the resolution.

Shri Harish Rawat (Uttar Pradesh) moved the following amendment for inclusion in the resolution at appropriate place:

"Congress is fully aware of the aspirations of the people belonging to the Hill districts of U.P. to have a new State carving out of the hill districts of U.O. to be named as "Uttara Khand". This Session of the Indian National Congress supports the demand for formation of a new State Uttara Khand comprising the hill districts of U.O. and urges upon the State Government of U.P. and Central Government to take all necessary steps to establish the State of Uttara Khand."

Shri Shantaram Naik (Goa), Shri Rajesh Pilot, Smt. Kamalamma(Andhra), Shri Ghulam Nabi Azad, Shri Shafique Ahmed (Uttar Pradesh), Shri Digvijay Singh (Madhya Pradesh), Shri Chandrajit Yadav (Uttar Pradesh), Shri P.M. Sayeed (Lakshadweep), Shri S.S. Ahluwalia (CPP), Shri Harcharan Singh Josh (Delhi), Shri Arjun Siingh, Shri Kamaljit Pintoo (Madhya Pradesh), Shri Kuljit Singh (Punjab), Dr. Girija Vyas (Rajasthan), Shri Chandra Prakash Bajpai (Madhya Pradesh), Shir P. Upendra (Andhra), Smt. Shyama Sinha (Bihar), Shir Kartikeswar Patra (Orissa), Mirzza Irshad Sioddique (Delhi), Sardar Amjad Ali (West Bengal), Shri Mufti Mohd. Sayeed(J&K), Shri Madan Mohan Shukla (Uttar Pradesh), Shri Randhip Surjewala (Haryana), Shri P.V. Ranga Rao (Andhra), Shri Chiranjilal Sharma (Haryana), Shri Virendra Kataria (Punjab), Shri Shurvir Singh Sajwan (Uttar Pradesh), Shri Balkavi Bairagi (Madhya Pradesh), Smt. Lakshmi Devi (Bihar) and Smt. Veena Sobti (Punjab) spoke in support of the resolution. Some of the speakers made suggestions, which however were not at variance with the spirit of the main resolution. Shri Madhavrao Scindia replied to the debate. He accepted the amendment as moved by Shri Harish Rawat regarding Uttara Khand. The Political Resolution, as amended was put to vote and passed unanimously.

Economic Policy Resolution

Shri Motilal Vora (Madhya Pradesh) moved the Economic Policy Resolution as earlier passed by the Subjects Committee. Shri Sontosh Mohan Deb (Assam) seconded the resolution Shri R.P. Panika (Uttar Pradesh), Shri Bishnu Prasad (Assam) and Shir mahabir Paswan (Bihar) supported the resolution.

At this stage, the meeting adjourned at 9.00 p.m. till 9.30 a.m. on 10th august, 1997.

(10th August, 1997)

The debate on the Economic Policy Resolution was resumed.

Shri P. Janardhana Reddy (Andhra), Shri Vridichand Jain (Madhya Pradesh), Smt. Thara Devi (Karnataka). Shri Bhajanlal (Haryana), Dr. Zainal Abedin (West Bengal), Shri Satyajit Singh Gaekwad (IYC), Shri Ramashray Prasad Singh (Bihar), Shir Atish Sinha (West Bengal), Shir Reshang Keishing (Manipur), Shri Shahid Siddique (Uttar Pradesh) and Smt. Alka Lamba Kapoor (NSUI) spoke in support of the resolution.

Shri Motilal Vora replied to the debate. The Economic Policy Resolution was then put to vote and adopted unanimously.

International Resolution

Shri Shivajirao Patil (Maharashtra) then moved the International Resolution as earlier passed by the Subjects Committee.

Shri R.L. Bhatia (Punjab) seconded the resolution.

Shri Virbhadra Singh (Himachal) and Subbarama Reddy (Andhra spoke in support of the resolution. The international Revolution was put to vote and adopted unanimously.

At this stage, Shri Sitaram Kesri requested Shri Jitendra Prasada, Vice-President, to address the delegates.

Shri Jitendra Prasada, while addressing the delegates, said that important resolutions had been adopted and that the historic Calcutta Plenary Session would give a positive direction to the country.

He said that the people of this country recognized the Congress as the single most important party with whose future their own future was linked. There was no alternative to the Congress since the opposition parties were opportunistic, had no programmes and policies to serve the people and could not be expected to run the affairs of the country. The sold aim of the opposition was anti-Congressism.

Shri Jitendra Prasada pointed out that in the prevailing context the most crucial question was how to strengthen the Congress. The Congress had ruled the country for 45 years since independence and Congressmen had held various positions of power. However, today the Congressmen, should be prepared to make any sacrifice, in keeping with their past traditions, so that the organisation was strengthened and rejuvenated.

He said it was time that those who had left the Congress should be brought back to the Partyfold, which due honour and respect. The Congress Vice-President congratulated the organizers of the Session for making excellent arrangements.

Concluding Remarks by Congress President

In his concluding remarks, the Congress President, Shri Sitaram Kesri warned the Prtymen against the attempts being made by the opposition parties to weaken the Congress and tarnish its image. He said the Congress was the most democratic organisation and symbol of national aspirations. He criticized the opposition for its talk of corruption. He said that his party was always against corruption and there were occasions when leaders were expelled from the Party when there were chargers against them. However, the same expelled leaders were accepted by other parties and made heroes. He observed that the Congress is more honest and cleaner that other parties.

The Congress President called upon the Partymen to work unitedly and renew their contact with the masses.

Vote of Thanks

Shri BosaRaju (Karnataka), on behalf of the delegates, moved the vote of thanks to the organizers - West Bengal Pradesh Congress Committee, members of the Reception Committee, and the Seva Dal Volunteers and others who had taken great pains to make the Session a grand success.

Shri Ahmed Patel, Coverer, 80th Plenary Session of the Indian National Congress, thanked the delegates, on behalf of the AICC, for coming to Calcutta from far away places to attend the Session to make it a complete success. He thanked the organizers, the PCC, the members of the Frontal Organizations - Seva Dall, Indian Youth Congress, Mahila Congress and NSUI - and others for their hard work to make the 80th Plenary Session a memorable occasion.

Shri Somen Mitra, President, East Bengal PCC and Chairman, Reception Committee thanked the delegates for attending the Session and the volunteers and other Congressmen whose invaluable cooperation had made the Session a great success.

The 80th Plenary Session of the Indian National congress then came to a closed at 3.30 p.m. with the singing of the 'National Anthem'.

[Note: CWC election : Even as the 80th Plenary Session concluded its deliberations, the counting of votes for the CWC elections was in progress. It was only late in the night that the counting was completed. Shri Oscar Fernandes, Returning Officer, declared the following candidates elected to the Congress Working Committee under the provision of Article XIX (a) of the Congress Constitution and Rules framed thereunder:

1. Shri Ahmed Patel.
2. Shri Jitendra Prasada
3. Shri Madhavrao Scindia
4. Shri Tariq Anwar
5. Shri Pranab Mukherjee
6. Shri R.K. Dhawan
7. Shri Arjun Singh
8. Shri Ghulam Nabi Azad
9. Shri Shard Pawar
10. Shri K. Vijaya Bhaskara Reddy.]