Camp : Raebareli
Date : 11th June 2009
Time : 1  : pm

UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra in Raebareli

Congress President Sonia Gandhi is on a day-long tour to her Lok Sabha constituency Raebareli today. This is her first visit to Raebareli, after the parties thumping victory in the Lok Sabha elections last month. Congress President reached Fursatganj this morning and then left for Feroz Gandhi Degree College where she met party workers.
Addressing all present she said, “2009 Lok Sabha elections were historic because after many years Congress party won with a thumping majority. We defied anti incumbency and won these elections. People of India have rejected parties which tried to play on their emotions, parties which played on people’s religious beliefs.”

Enumerating all the work done by the UPA government she said, “I want to tell you that Congress Party has done all it could to live up to the promises made to the people in 2004. Congress party waived loans for farmers. Our party, under the leadership of Dr Manmohan Singh, implemented NREGA to ensure employment for rural people, education & health for all. We have started programmes for women and minorities too. People have realized that our government is a government that works for every section of the society.”

Speaking about her victory in Raebareli Congress President Sonia Gandhi said, “Like always, in Raebareli you have ensured a huge victory for me. For that I thank you from the bottom of my heart. I am especially proud of all our party workers, who despite pressure from all sides, ensured that Congress Parties flag flew high. You all have shown the world what struggle mean.”

Congress President also spoke about the work done in the constituency over the past 5 years. “In the past 5 years, we have started many small programmemes. I know that a lot of work has been done, but I am also aware that it is not enough. We will take forward the work that has already been started, with renewed vigour. We’ll try and start new programs as well. You very well know that I have always been committed to the development of Raebareli and have always made efforts in this direction. The party and all of you have emerged victorious in Amethi & Raebareli.”
 
Congress President also spoke about the contribution of her children, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra & MP Rahul Gandhi in making Congress victorious in these elections. “It was because Priyanka took over the responsibility of campaigning in Raebareli & Amethi that we were freed, especially Rahul was free to campaign in the rest of the country. This helped Congress Party do so well. I am especially happy that after a long time, we have done so well in UP. It is a matter of great happiness for all of us that there will be a new beginning in UP.”

Sonia Gandhi emphasised the need to strengthen Congress at the grass root level. “It is imperative that the party organisation is strengthened. It is our responsibility to do so, so that we are in a position to face all kinds of difficult situations.” Talking about the power crisis in the constituency she said, “I have been told about the difficulties in this region. In times to come, new projects need to be started. There is power shortage here. I will look into this issue and similar issues.”

Concluding her speech Congress President said, “I am here for a few hours so that I could convey my thanks to you at the earliest. I’ll try and come again and stay with you for 3-4 days. I will come here to listen to what you have to say. Once again, I thank all of you.”

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