Panipat, October 2
In the growing shadow of terrorist strikes targeting innocent people, United Progressive Alliance chairperson Sonia Gandhi gave a clarion call for a united fight against terrorists and divisive forces who were trying to divide society in the name of terrorism.
Addressing the Samajik Kranti Samaroh on the occasion of Gandhi Jayanti after the launch of Mahatma Gandhi Grameen Basti Yojna (MGGBY) here today, Gandhi said terrorism had assumed proportion of a “national problem”. “Terrorists are creating fear by killing innocent people. They are our enemies and we must fight them,” she emphasised.
Without naming any political outfit, she launched a scathing attack against those “dividing the people and playing politics and aspiring for success at the cost of society”. She said putting up a united front was the only befitting reply to silence such elements.
Urging the people to draw inspiration from Mahatma Gandhi’s ideals, she asked them to recommit themselves to establish peace and brotherhood in society. Elated with the crowd that thronged the venue, the UPA chairperson said the success of any government could be gauged from what it gives the last man in a queue. “The Haryana government has taken care of all sections of society, the backward, poor, farmers, women, children et al,” she complimented.
Attributing the agricultural and industrial development in Punjab and Haryana to the policies of the Congress government, she said Haryana was on its way to realising former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi’s “21st century dream”.
Referring to the message of love and brotherhood propagated by saints like Ali Shah Kalandar and poet Hali of Panipat, she maintained that being human involved more labour and he who could put in this labour could become like Mahtama Gandhi.
“Today, the world over his birth anniversary is being celebrated as Non-violence Day,” she said, recalling the contribution of Haryana in the freedom struggle. Gandhi said independence came for a very heavy price that people paid with their lives.
Referring to the issue of nuclear deal, she said it would prove a step forward in further accelerating the pace of development and checking the problem of power.
Addressing the gathering,
Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda said the government was following her directions in letter and spirit, taking care of all sections of society, especially women and poor.
Stating that the Rs 2,300-crore MGGBY would benefit six lakh persons, he said plots would be allotted through draw of lots. He concluded his speech with reiteration of taking Haryana to the top.
Earlier, union minister of state for poverty alleviation Kumari Selja credited the UPA chairperson for pushing the cause of the backward and poor, who did not have a roof over their head. She urged the government to register these plots in the name of women.
While Gandhi abstained from making any reference to the Lok Sabha elections, president of the Haryana Pradesh Congress Committee Phool Chand Mullana said the Lok Sabha elections could be held any time and urged the gathering to raise its hands to express solidarity with Gandhi. MP Arvind Sharma, in a U-turn from his earlier attack, showered lavish praise on the Haryana Chief Minister.
Earlier, Gandhi was presented with a shawl, mace and a spinning wheel. She also released a magazine “Samajik Kranti ka Naya Daur” to mark the occasion.
