Congress President Sonia Gandhi has accused the main opposition of dividing society and spreading violence in the country. Addressing the All India Congress Committee, AICC, meeting in New Delhi this morning, Mrs Gandhi said, the party would fight for the upkeep of its secular tradition. Mrs Gandhi added that secularism is not a political compulsion but a matter of faith for the Congress. The Congress President said, the party is ready and prepared to take on the battle ahead.

Amid chorus for declaring Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi as its Prime Ministerial candidate, Mrs Gandhi categorically said, the Congress Working Committee, CWC, decision on Rahul Gandhi is final.

CWC had yesterday decided not to name Mr Gandhi as party's Prime Ministerial candidate, saying that announcing Prime Ministerial candidate before polls is not a party tradition. It had decided that Rahul Gandhi will lead the party's poll campaign for Lok Sabha elections.

Mrs. Gandhi also appealed to all parties to rise above political considerations to help pass anti-graft Bills pending in Parliament.
Finance Minister P Chidambaram who also addressed the gathering, said the UPA is pursuing the idea of inclusive growth which leads to development of every citizen, particularly deprived and poor.
(S/B:CHIDAMBARAM)
The party is now discussing a resolution which will be passed by the AICC at the end of the session.
Our Correspondent reports, Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, Party Vice-President Rahul Gandhi along with senior Cabinet Ministers, including Kamal Nath, AK Antony, Sushil Kumar Shinde, Chief Minister of Congress ruled states and formers Chief Ministers are attending the crucial meet.
The meeting is being held to finalise the party's strategy for the upcoming Lok Sabha Polls.