October 2010

Excerpts from Smt. Sonia Gandhi's speech

You have experienced the rule of several political parties in Bihar over the last twenty years. It has been now clearly established that that whatever the promises be, made by these parties, they have been unable to realize that, the development of Bihar is a different matter all together. Neither they seem to have the capability of bringing about progress nor have they the capability for development of Bihar or the vision or intent towards faster growth of Bihar.

The poverty and turmoil of Bihar is there for all of you to witness. Just for an example, please tell me about any steps taken to improve the pathetic power situation. Within 24 hours each day, how many hours do the people get power? What steps have been taken by the existing government to set up industries in the area? What initiatives have they undertaken to generate employment in the region?

Can they answer me as to why basic facilities for education and primary health are lacking? It is matter of great regret that people of Bihar have to send their children to distant lands for education. Even for small ailments, you have to travel to bigger cities..

The Alliance that has been governing your state for last 5 years is by itself a strange phenomenon. Though they claim that they believe in secularism, they embraced the very people who are staunch opponents of secularism. Some of their leaders think that people have short memories. But the people of Bihar remember that the leader who has been stopped from coming to campaign here, when during his rule people had to suffer the extreme atrocities, no resignation came in protest from any of the 'so called' secular leaders. They continued to be ministers in the NDA Government. What can be a bigger example of their attempt to befool the people? I strongly believe that it is nothing but opportunistic politics. There are the other parties who speak for the backward and the weaker sections. Many golden dreams were also shown to them. I want to ask that when they were ruling here, what did they do for these people?

Politics for the Congress has always been the medium for serving the poor and the weaker sections. From the time the UPA Government was formed in 2004 we have carried out many historic steps. Programs have been initiated in all spheres for strengthening the weaker sections, farmers, women and minorities. Be it in the sphere of health, education or employment. Through the program Bharat Nirman many developmental works have been carried out in the villages and more are still being carried out. In addition to waiving off the loans of the farmers it is also being insured that remunerative prices are given to them for their produce. Besides creation, for the first time, the Ministry for Minorities, the recommendations of the Sachhar Commission for them are being implemented. Many new legal rights have been given to the people. For example the Right to Information which gives the right to everyone to enquire about any scheme from any government department in any matter. This is the biggest tool in our hands for halting corruption. Through Right of Education every child has been given the opportunity for elementary education through which the poorest of the poor children can be educated for making a better future for them. There is the Mid-day Meal program for children, Scholarships for poor and the Minorities and especially for the girl child. The right to employment has been given through the Mahatma Gandhi NREGA which guarantees employment for hundred days a year .So that no one should remain hungry in the country a food security bill is being planned. These are but some of the achievements of our Government that I have mentioned.

We fulfill the promises that we make. Today, which direction Bihar would move is in your hands. Congress party alone is fully committed to a better future for your children.

Sonia Gandhi