| July 2010 Dear Friends,
It has been an eventful month with a number of important developments.
We are pained by the upsurge in violence in Jammu and Kashmir recently. My deepest condolences to the kin of those innocent men and women who were killed in this mindless violence. While normalcy has begun to return, the state government's endeavour is to do everything to fully restore normal life. I understand that there were elements with ulterior motives that were instigating these attacks. These elements must identified and brought to book. At the same time there should be a continued push on the development agenda. Ultimately, development which creates jobs and livelihood opportunities, is one of the key instruments against terrorism and violence.
India has just concluded a round of Foreign Minister level talks with Pakistan. This follows a round of talks between our Home Ministers. These are welcome steps forward. It is important that we engage our neighbour to address outstanding issues, in particular the issue of cross-border terrorism. We have reiterated that effective action by Pakistan against terrorism is central to restoring good relations between our countries. We must continue to insist that Pakistan takes the investigation into the Mumbai terrorist attack seriously and bring all the perpetrators of that terrible crime to justice. While we strive for peace, we cannot and will not be soft on terrorism.
The national Advisory Council, setup as an interface with Civil Society, has begun its work in right earnest. The objective behind the setting up of the NAC is to provide policy and legislative inputs to Government with special focus on social policy and the rights of the disadvantaged groups. I am hopeful that the Council will play an important role in identifying and recommending measures to ensure that our flagship programmes are implemented in the best interests of the aam aadmi.
There has also been a recent increase in oil prices. An increase in prices is never a pleasant thing. However this has been done for a number of reasons including increasing the availability of funds for our social sector schemes. I must mention here that the UPA has throughout its tenure, worked to ensure that the aam admi is shielded from the burden of rising oil prices in the international market. Our record on this front is there for all to see. While the NDA raised the prices of diesel and petrol 31 and 28 times respectively in their 5 year tenure, the UPA kept a close vigil on prices only changing it on 9 occasions in 6 years.
It is important that Congresspersons across the country understand why the current hike was necessary, and how the price increase was kept to a minimum. This message must be shared with the people.
The State Assembly elections are also scheduled to be held shortly in Bihar. This is an important election for us. Over the past 6 years. Our Government has ensured an exponential increase in funds to the Bihar government for various development schemes and projects. Our party workers must take this message to the people. The Congress will revive itself in Bihar if we work collectively and cohesively.
We look forward to the Monsoon session of Parliament. We have a full legislative agenda. l am hopeful that in this session parliament will function smoothly and focus on the task of lawmaking, in the finest traditions of parliamentary democracy. I urge all our MPs to help in this endeavour.
Sonia Gandhi |
