Shillaroo (Upper Shimla), December 11
Mrs Sonia Gandhi, President of the All-India Congress Committee (AICC) today accused the BJP-led NDA government of destroying the economy of the country, and criticised the disinvestment policy questioning the very rationale of selling-off profit-making public sector undertakings and even those in the strategic sector.
The public sector undertakings had not been set up by the funds of any political party but with public money and with specific objectives. These could not be allowed to be disposed of in such a manner, she thundered while addressing an impressive party rally, here.
These undertakings meet not only the strategic requirements of the country but also provide jobs to millions of persons, mostly from weaker and poor sections of the society.
The youth from these sections would be denied job opportunities once these units were sold off. She alleged that rules were being thrown to the winds while framing the disinvestment policy which was a matter of concern, she added.
With the government following such economic policies, it was hardly surprising that the problem of unemployment had aggravated. The NDA government had failed miserably in keeping its promise of providing one crore jobs annually.
The Congress President came down heavily on the BJP led governments at the Centre and in the state for corruption, maladministration and non performance and said it was because of the misrule that the people were voting the Congress back to power in one state after the other. It even formed a government in Jammu and Kashmir where it had been virtually written off. This was happening because the people were convinced that, unlike the BJP, the Congress would not compromise on principles.
Without naming Prime Minister, Atal Behari Vajpayee, she said the Congress leadership did not believe in changing policies and statements every now and then like the BJP leaders. Having failed on all fronts, the BJP was pursuing the dirty politics of dividing the society for electoral gains, she said in an obvious reference to Gujarat polls.
Mrs Gandhi was unsparing in her criticism of the Dhumal government, which, she said, had earned notoriety for corruption, nepotism and indifferent governance. There had been much talk of the state’s hydel power potential of 20,000 MW but precious little had been done to exploit it. The memorandums of understanding (MoU’s) signed for the execution of some projects smacked of corruption. Not only that there had been
large-scale favouritism and discrimination in recruitment to government jobs, causing resentment among the youth.
The farmers were at the receiving end as the government had failed to provide them adequate relief in the wake of drought. They were not even getting remunerative price because of wrong policies of the government. The farmers could face the global competition provided requisite infrastructural facilities were made available to them. The quality of indigenous produce like apple and other fruits was much better than the imported ones, though these were more attractive in appearance.
Expressing concern over the wrong policies of the Dhumal government which were destroying the fragile hill environment. She said it was a serious matter that the Supreme Court imposed a fine to discipline the state. Even the tourism industry, which played a vital role in the state’s economy, had suffered because of the flawed policies.
She regretted that the under the BJP rule the administration had been politicised thoroughly and said the Congress on coming to power would maintain neutrality. The party would stand by its commitment and ensure justice to all.
The sizeable presence of women, who turned out in colourful traditional costumes, in the rally pleased Mrs Gandhi and she did not fail to take notice of it. Sensing her mood Mrs Vidya Stokes, Pradesh Congress Committee chief presented a yellow ‘Dhatu’, traditional Himachali headgear worn by women, to the leader.
Earlier, Mrs Mohsina Kidwai, general secretary of the AICC, said that the people were fed up with the BJP which was out to destroy the unity of the country for political gains. She expressed confidence that the people of Gujarat would give befitting rebuff to the divisive politics of the party by voting the Congress back to power.
Mrs Vidya Stokes appreciated the inspiring leadership of Mrs Gandhi, which had infused new life in the party. Her bold decision to campaign in the troubled state of Jammu and Kashmir paid not only electoral dividends but also proved that she was a woman of strong determination and purpose and had the mettle to lead the country.
Mr Virbhadra Singh, Legislature Party Congress leader, recalled the contribution of Nehru family in shaping the destiny of the hill state. He said the outcome of Gujarat polls would have implications for the whole country and expressed hope that secular and democratic forces would win over communal forces.
The enthusiasm of the crowd, apart from the size of the gathering, came as a morale booster for party managers. The predominantly rural gathering was characterised by the groups of men and women dancing to the beats of traditional instruments. Not only the sprawling high altitude sports complex ground but even the hill slopes surrounding had village folks keen to have a glimpse of Mrs Gandhi.
Mrs Krishna Tirath, a national secretary, Mr Anand Sharma, AICC spokesperson and Mrs Chandresh Kumari, President, All-India Mahila Congress, were also present on the dais.
