Congress President Sonia Gandhi today said that party's revival in weak states should not be compromised at the altar of alliance politics. In her opening speech at the 2-day Chintan Shivir, she said that Congress is facing increased competition and inroads had been made in the party's traditional support base, and unity and discipline was the need of the hour in the party. Seeking free, fearless and frank views from the participants, Mrs. Gandhi made a reference to the growing educated and middle classes, in a bid to woo them.
The Congress President who is also the Chairperson of UPA, made it clear that Congress has to strike a balance between respecting alliances where it has tied up with other parties and ensuring that the party's rejuvenation is not compromised. Sonia Gandhi made a strong pitch for economic reforms, saying that to be pragmatic in encouraging investment was the only way to achieve the country's employment goals.
Congress President said it was time for introspection and that there was a need to look at the party's strengths and weaknesses. She said the Congress was the only pan-India party with presence in every state, district and block-level
Stating that there were various protest movement across the country relating to land, forest, water and livelihood, tribal and gender issues, she asked the party to proactively take up these causes. Mrs. Gandhi said that the Congress-led UPA government under the leadership of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh since 2004 has introduced truly revolutionary programmes and enacted historic legislation flowing from the party's manifesto.
Highlighting that the lack of employment thwarts aspirations and fuel frustration, crime and violence, Mrs. Gandhi said that the country needs to pay attention to skilled employment. She added that the party is concerned about the poor and backward classes and added that inclusive growth was not a party ploy but a conviction.
The conclave is being organised followed by a session of the AICC on Sunday. Among the leaders present on the dais included Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Defence Minister A K Antony, Rahul Gandhi, Motilal Vora and Ambika Soni.
