Speech

Let August Kranti Spirit Prevail
The Congress President, Smt. Sonia Gandhi, launched the election campaign in New Delhi at a massive Congress rally on August 9, 2003. Following are the excerpts of her speech

Today, this day of August 9 is like a festival for all of us and for the entire country. I am very glad that on this occasion I am amidst all of you and talking to you.

Infact, last March we held a conference of block presidents of the party in Delhi. I had given some programmes in that conference. One of these programmes is that we must revive the memory of the 1942 Kranti in the minds of the new generation. The new generation should feel that the country is made from deeds, sacrifice and devotion, honesty and hard work. Nothing new can be evolved or a new history created, just by talking.

Sixty-one years ago from today, Mahatma Gandhi gave a slogan of "Do or Die". It became a "mantra" for the whole of India and on that very day it was decided that India would soon get rid of slavery. Mahatma Gandhi got the freedom for the country by using the greatest weapon of humanity – truth, non-violence and self-confidence. His struggle was against slavery but also along with it, it was the struggle for truth against falsehood, struggle for non-violence and love against violence and hatred, and struggle for good against evil. We have organized this programme in order to take pledge again to tread on this path so that the new generation gets true encouragement for patriotism.

With regret I have to say that there are such political parties and organisations in the country which instead of showing the right path to society, especially the new generation, are misleading it. After independence, we followed the path of democracy, secularism and equality. Congress leaders worked to build the country on these lines.

Development works began in every nook and corner of India, welfare schemes were set up for all sections of society and we continuously moved forward on the path of development. At that time there were more difficulties than today. There were challenges within the country and outside the country. In spite of that our struggle continued against poverty, unemployment and backwardness and we continued to move forward. The Congress never discriminated in the name of religion or caste. We had looked at the country in totality, we had never taken political mileage from parochialism and we never allowed the unity of the country get affected. We had suffered but we never changed our principles and we did not give up our paths. Such politics has no meaning which does not follow the set-guidelines and principles.

Our ideals were leaders like Gandhiji, Nehruji and Maulana Azad. Memories of sacrifices of Indiraji and Rajivji are fresh in our hearts. We received the education from them for living and dying for the country. It is easy to talk about the language of bullets and guns but all people do not have the courage to face bullets on their chests for the sake of the country and society.

Today, I do not want to raise current political issues. I want to talk to you about values in the country and society and I want to talk to you about the dreams and moral values of the new generation. The bitter truth is that the present atmosphere of the country is sought to be ignited. When election draws nearer, BJP spread confusion in a new way thinking that they can hide their true character. They remember Lord Ram at this time. Perhaps, they want to deceive God. I want to say only this : Oh, Lord Ram save this country from such devotees who are destroying all your values (Maryada).

What have they contributed to the country during the last four years? They have only created more problems in the life of a common man, lowered the dignity of the country in the world. Blowing your own trumpet does not help in any way. People want to see results of the government’s performance. Today, the common man is burdened due to raising prices and unemployment. Educated youths are facing the grim situation of livelihood. Farmers have their problems and are facing difficulties. Dalits are subjected to oppression. My sisters are facing lot of difficulties in the life. Trade and industries are being destroyed and violence and crime are rampant in society. How will this Government, which is intoxicated with corruption and self-interests, know the reality of the world? How can those who are interested in grabbing power concerned about your problems in life? How do you expect to get justice from the government which influences CBI to protect its ministers?

You know that the states in the North-East are the most sensitive parts of the country. They have toppled a democratically-elected government in the North-East for their political interest. Such attempts are being carried out in neighbouring states too.

You must have heard there is a very important committee in Parliament, which keeps account of public money and on which basis the government machinery functions. The name of this committee is "Public Accounts Committee". For the first time in the history of Parliament, the committee was refused documents and information related to defence deals. The committee was thus unable to submit its full report to Parliament due to this. You know how many scandals have taken place in defence deals. Kick-backs have been received in purchase of coffins for our soldiers. What do you expect from the people who do not respect our country’s martyrs.

When the Congress Party government was at the Centre, every common man used to feel that it was his government. Today, we are in opposition at the Centre but our party governments are in fourteen states, including Delhi, and I am happy to tell you that in spite of not getting cooperation from the Centre our governments are working with full force for the welfare of the people. Our Delhi government has to frequently face problems from the Centre but in spite of all that, all of you are witness to the developmental work done during the last four and a half years. It is an example in itself. I assure you that in future too we will continue to work for your progress and development. I am fully confident that we will continue to get your cooperation in this manner. I assure you from my side that if any Congress MLA or councillor does not perform his duty properly, he will not be spared. To protect the confidence of the voters, it is not only the obligation of the representative but it is his duty too.

We are proud of our 118-year-old history. We have full faith in our policies and programmes. We have some dreams for our country and the society and we will not rest until we realise our dreams.

On this auspicious day, I want to give a call to the workers of my Indian National Congress and all of you in these words : Kuch Karo Desh Ke Liye! Sirf Apne Liye Jiya, To Kya Jiya! Jiyo Aur Maro, Desh Ke Liye! (Do something for the country. What is the use if you live for yourself? So, live and die for the country.)