A Journey of Renewal - Sonia Gandhi

Congress President’s Opening Address at the AICC Meeting, New Delhi, on 21st August, 04

Prime Minister, Members of the CWC, Members of the AICC, Friends and Colleagues,

As I stand before you, I am flooded with memories. Memories of a young, dynamic, forward-looking leader, a Prime Minister brimming with ideas and immersed in action. Yesterday, we observed his 60th birth anniversary.

At all times Rajivji is with us. The warmth he radiated endeared him to one and all. To them he was not simply a leader – he was a friend, a colleague, a brother. I know how much he was loved and how fondly he is remembered by all Congressmen and women.

His sincerity and his dedication inspire us even today. Let us recall how much Rajivji accomplished in his short span in politics. It was his drive that brought about the panchayat raj revolution and empowered lakhs of women, scheduled castes and scheduled tribes in local self-government. It was his courage that brought about a new climate of peace in troubled areas like Punjab, Assam, Mizoram, Darjeeling and Tripura.

It was his statesmanship that opened a new chapter in our relations with the USA, Pakistan and China. It was his foresight that ushered India into the IT, computer and telecom age and launched technology missions in vital social areas like drinking water, immunization, oilseeds, literacy and energy.

It was his abiding concern for the environment that made him launch ambitious projects for the greening of India and for cleaning the sacred Ganga. He added strength to our defence capability at the same time campaigning tirelessly for a nuclear weapons-free world.

He gave the country a new education policy, propagating a modern, scientific education based on secular and progressive values and the best of our traditions. He opened up new horizons for our entrepreneurs, businessmen and industrialists.

Rajiv Gandhi did so much. Yet, he left us with so much more to get done. As we assemble here today, let us not just remember his work but also rededicate ourselves to his vision. What he set out to do and what he did are an example to us. But what he wanted to get done has even more relevance today.

I came into active politics in December 1997 to do all I could to strengthen the Congress party and its commitment to our founding principles. Together, we have fought many electoral battles. Together we have shared triumphs, together we have shared defeat. Before and during the recent Lok Sabha elections, many prophets of doom had written us off. We remained steadfast. We prevailed.

We prevailed because the people of our country chose to entrust us with their confidence. How can we ever thank them for honouring us with that sacred trust? We can do so only by serving them with our utmost dedication, and by fulfilling each one of our promises.

We prevailed because of the unsparing efforts of lakhs of Congress workers across the length and breadth of our land. They toiled hard without any regard for personal gain or reward, never discouraged by gloomy predictions. Let us acknowledge and applaud their contributions.

I am aware that many Congress workers and supporters expected me to be Prime Minister. And I am grateful that all of you understood and accepted my decision. It was a decision that came from the heart.

After many years we now have both a Prime Minister and a Congress President. It is a new experience, but I have no doubt that both the party and the government will emerge stronger. In Dr. Manmohan Singh, India has a Prime Minister of great learning, vast administrative experience and impeccable reputation. Let us welcome him today and congratulate him once again.

For all of us, a coalition at the Centre is a new experience. We have adjusted easily, proving our opponents and critics wrong. And in a remarkably short period of time we announced our Common Minimum Programme.

The CMP is based very largely on our own manifesto. It details the priorities, plans and programmes of the UPA government in several areas. It has been widely welcomed as a charter that gives a new direction to our politics, to our economy and to our society. It will undo the damage caused by the BJP/NDA and, in doing so, it will honour the verdict of 2004.

Verdict 2004

That verdict was a clear, categorical, decisive rejection of the BJP and of the NDA. Their arrogance, their lust for power and their pursuit of personal profit blinded them to reality. They believed they had attained political immorality.

Obviously, the BJP did not expect to lose. It lost. Yet, the BJP is still behaving in a manner that subverts this mandate. It has not accepted its rejection by the people, by the "aam aadmi".

We have always acknowledged that the will of the people is supreme. For six years, we played the role of a responsible opposition. Even when our views were not sought we extended our support to get legislation passed in Parliament. We supported the government’s initiatives on foreign policy, on J&K and on many other issues of national interest.

Yes, we also opposed. We also demonstrated. But we did not cross the lakshman rekha between legitimate protest and deliberate disruption. We were always on the offensive but we were never offensive.

The BJP is clearly worried. Its Chintan Baithaks are now Chinta Baithaks. Let us be under no illusions. The BJP has not accepted the verdict of the people. And it will continue to disregard this verdict. But in doing so, it will be shown up for what it really is – anti-democratic, illiberal and hypocritical.

There is a lesson for us all here and that is – we must never fall prey to the arrogance of power. We must never lose sight of the fact that we are here to serve the people of India.

Current Political Issues

Now, I would like to talk about the important issues which are in front of us.

Colleagues, presently whatever is happening in the North-East is causing us concern and it should. The BJP and its partners are playing dangerous game in this sensitive area. But there are times when we should keep aside the politics of differences. We have to stop insurgency and continue the process of dialogue. Development of the basic structure has to be done at a fast pace in this area. The economic potential of the North-East has to be tapped fully so the benefit reaches straight to the people.

Two years ago our party took a bold step by forming a coalition government in Jammu and Kashmir. The result of it is that development is taking place. The healing touch policy that the state adopted has developed a feeling of new hope and people’s participation. Certainly, we cannot bring laxity in our Constitution against those people who do not want peace in Jammu and Kashmir. But we also want that people who want to be part of this democratic process should be in proper place and their voice is heard.

In other states there are Adivasi belts where Naxalite violence is rampant. Besides whatever steps the state is taking, the party too has to meet this challenge and play its role. Our aim should be to become a true representative of the people. Therefore, we have to understand the problems of our Adivasi brothers and sisters. I am thinking of forming a task-force in the AICC which will make indepth study of this serious problem and gives appropriate suggestions to the party.

The sharing of water has become a point of dispute amongst us. Every state has its own viewpoint. It should be heard and there should be discussion on it. Every state has to look after its own interests. Is not the interest of the country above everything? Is it not the duty of the country to solve these problems amicably? The vital water resources have to be properly utilized for the benefit of its people. It is the duty of the state towards itself and the nation that they should together find a solution to this problem amicably.

On Economic Issues

Now I would like to speak on those issues which are directly related to day-to-day affairs of the people. The present Union budget has placed special stress on agriculture, employment, education and health. This is in accordance with our manifesto. It is a matter of satisfaction that the UPA government under the Common Minimum Programme has kept aside Rs. 10,000 crores for the implementation of it. In general, the many will be spent on projects like education for all, food for work, employment guarantee scheme, mid-day meals and the health insurance scheme. Through this impetus will be given to complete irrigation projects quickly.

Being a party accountable to the people we know that spending huge amount is not enough, our aim should also be to get maximum results. Prime Minister, through the Planning Commission, is keeping a watch over it. It is necessary that for whom this scheme has been initiated, particularly the needy, poor and deprived, should get full benefit out of it.

Like Rajivji, I too believe that to change the conditions in our villages, we have to see that the elected panchayat samities are provided money, work and officials according to our constitution. There should be transparency in the utilization of money and be responsible for it. The people should know how the money has been spent for their welfare and for this the instrument like Right to Information can be used. Through this a common man can have the right to know what is happening in which department of the government. It is obvious that there will be improvement in the system. In some states law has been made in this connection. I am happy to note that this has mostly been done by the Congress-ruled states. Our party workers and Frontal Organisations should lead this campaign throughout the country.

During the past few weeks the states like Assam, Bihar and Gujarat had to pass through severe flood situation. Prime Minister and I had gone to some flood-affected areas and our party colleagues are busy with the rehabilitation work. It is a matter of respite that areas which earlier were drought-prone had rains despite delay. But there was loss due to this delay. I am aware that the government is in continuous contact with those states. Like some scientists have said this maybe is the time to find a code to fight against drought and flood and to reap benefits when the weather is good. This will help us in deriving full benefit in time of bad monsoon and in good monsoon.

Our Common Minimum Programme promises various steps in empowering poor people on economic and social issues. We also agree that we have to fulfill these promises. Previous Congress government had created separate commissions to take care of economic and development of dalits, advasis, sweepers, backward classes and minorities. These commissions have to be given full cooperation by way of basic structure and money so that the dreams and expectations of Dr. Ambedkar are fulfilled in helping the poor.

Party Organisation

Now, I would like to talk about party organisation. Only last week we celebrated the anniversary of our freedom. On the occasion we remembered our freedom fighters and great leaders like Mahatama Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, Sardar Patel, Maulana Azad, Lal Bahadur Shastri, Indiraji and Rajivji for their sacrifice and contribution. Following on their principles we have reached here today and we believe that we shall continue to move ahead on that path.

It is a matter of satisfaction that despite difficult situations our party has emerged as the largest single party in the recent Lok Sabha elections and formed the government with the help of our allies and secular parties.

We should not rest by rejoicing our victory. In some states results were disappointing. In some places we lost because of our internal bickerrings and where we wanted to reverse the 2003 results, we did not make proper efforts at the organizational level.

But in other states where we were successful, we have shown that we can succeed if we are united, disciplined and move ahead with a goal. In states where we are in the Opposition, we should not sit idle in expectation that people will vote us just because they get fed-up with the ruling party. There we should continue our efforts to solve the problems of farmers, labourers and other weaker sections of society by carrying out padayatras and mass contact programmes and becoming a part of day-to-day affairs.

There will be elections soon in Maharashtra, Arunachal Pradesh, Haryana, Bihar and Jharkhand. We are preparing for them and for us all elections are important and we should come together and work for the victory of our party.

Soon organizational elections will be taking place, and it is my request that you all consolidate in the membership drive. We have to join people from all classes – particularly dalits, adivasis, backward, minorities and women in large numbers. Congress is the only political party which has given reservation to the weaker sections in the organisation. But despite my personal efforts the number of women is low. We all have to improve it with determination. With it we also have to rope in professionals into our party.

Here I would like to tell you one thing that is on my mind. Two years ago I had sent suggestions on code of conduct on our life-style to all chief ministers and Pradesh Congress Committees. But it seems it remained only on paper and I feel hurt about it. Around us there are so many people who are facing scarcity and living in difficulty. Despite the fact that we talk of poor, we ourselves indulge in pomp and show and vulgar demonstration of our wealth. We, who take inspiration from Gandhiji, should not adopt double standards. We should shake our conscious and adopt simplicity and honesty in our public life.

I feel that the time has come when NSUI, Youth Congress, Mahila Congress and Sevadal have to change their mind-set. Though the politics of opposing and demonstration is important, we have to take care of other important work. Making people conscious of their rights and empowering them is one such act that the party can do in an effective manner. We should understand that apart from politics we have lot more things to do.

For example, our Frontal Organisations can take an initiative in getting lawful rights of the women and children. Certain social stigma like dowry, crime against women, exploitation of the weaker sections, child marriages and girl foeticide are issues which require tremendous political action. I am confident that this particular job can be achieved by our youth. I would like that INTUC should also make itself more active and continue with its struggle so that crores of labourers in the unorganized sector get social security.

We all know that clean environment is necessary for a healthy mind and healthy body. But how many breathe clean air? Can’t we do something in this regard? Certainly we can do, but with a strong determination. Our Frontal Organisations and Congress party can do this job. I know there are various government programmes in this connection but we should make individual and collective efforts like Gandhiji in highlighting cleanliness and hygiene. I would like that today each one of us make a resolve to start a "clean environment campaign" and each one of us take responsibility of doing atleast one good work in our village, town and city. I feel sorry that despite having proper law, the practice of scavenging is prevalent even today in the Capital and the land where Gandhiji was born.

Usually it has been seen that when the party wins an election and forms a government we set aside our organisation. This should not happen. People vote for the party which gives us the power, and the party forms the government and keeps it in power. There should be proper coordination between the party and the government. Not only this, their bond should be strong and there should be exchange of thoughts and dialogue between the two.

We should be considerate towards the problems of our workers whether we are in power at the Centre or in the States. Similarly, we have our limitations when we are in power and, therefore, those who are not in power should understand this limitations too.

But those who are in power, I understand their responsibility. They should make sure that party workers have access to them. They should not feel deprived or feel that they have been cheated. This was one of the reasons we lost elections in some states; there the government had risen above the party. The party programmes did not reflect in the government programmes. The party could not propagate the benefits of its government in a proper way. This should not happen in future.

Ideological Struggle

I have always said that our struggle with BJP is not limited till elections only. But our struggle between the Congress and BJP is not limited just for post and power. Basically our struggle is against the viewpoint of the BJP which is just the opposite towards India’s past and future.

The Congress nationalism is based on finest of India’s traditions and culture. Our nationalism is secular, diverse and liberal and takes along all the people. The BJP nationalism is based on discrimination, hatred and fanaticism. They reject all those values which our country has accepted and is dear to us.

The nationalism of the Congress is based on harmony while the BJP nationalism is based on hatred.

This is one message we must send across to every home. There can be no relaxation in our fight against RSS and its related organisations. When the architects and builders of our nation were busy struggling for freedom of the country, the RSS was busy injecting poison of communalism in the society. To insult our party and our leaders has been their sole aim. After independence when our leaders got involved in building the nation, there was no let up in the efforts of the RSS in letting down the nation to weaken the unity and social fabric.

There shall be no relaxation in our struggle against the forces which are out to destroy social harmony with communal and religious fanaticism. This is why after the last AICC meeting we had formed the ‘Sadbhavana Ke Sepahi". That is why after the ‘Shimla Vichar Manthan Shivir’ we formed the ‘Bapu Education Sadbhavana Trust’. Each one of us have to partake in such jobs and it should be our effort to fight the forces which are trying to destroy our social fabric.

Friends, today we rightfully share a sense of achievement. We overcame great odds and defeated our adversaries. But now it is time to consolidate, time to fulfill our obligations. It is time to redeem our pledges, our promises and the many expectations that we have aroused. Let us not under-estimate the obstacles ahead.

But let us march ahead with confidence and conviction. Electoral ups and downs are inevitable. What matters more is whether we are at one with the people of our country, especially with the poor, the deprived and the disadvantaged. What matters more is whether we are true to our beliefs, steadfast in our commitments and transparent in our actions.

Six years ago, I asked you to join me in a journey of renewal. Together, we have sought to recapture our inspiration, to reinforce our values and to rediscover the well-springs of our strength. That journey continues.

Let us march ahead undeflected in moments of joy, undeterred in times of disappointment, always unshakeable in our resolve. Jai Hind!