The Congress President Ms Sonia Gandhi today asked her party to expose the Opposition’s double speak and to defend and project the government’s achievement. Speaking at the Congress Parliamentary Party meeting in New Delhi, Ms Gandhi said, it seems to be almost fashionable these days to criticise the government but it should not be allowed to deflect on party and the government. She said, party should speak forcefully and with confidence on what it has achieved and it has a capacity to show much more despite difficult economic times.

The Congress President said the recent budget renews priority for faster and inclusive growth. She said despite the tough fiscal situation, the budget has increased allocations for key social programmes such as rural drinking water, sanitation and rural roads. Ms Gandhi also said, the budget has also increased the outlay for the Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana substantially.

Ms. Gandhi said, Congress is fully committed to strengthening federalism, which is a key tenet of the party and the UPA’s agenda. Ms Gandhi said, trust and cooperation must be the anchor of centre state relations. She also said, the UPA is committed to working closely with state governments to protect national interest and fighting terrorism. Mrs. Gandhi urged the government to extend necessary assistance to the drought affected areas of the country.

She also said the party organisation too must be active in relief and rehabilitation activities in those areas. She also stressed on discipline within the party and asked Congress MPs to get their act together before the next polls.