Sonia kickstarts campaign,says Cong checked corruption by bringing in RTI

Senior Congress leaders,including former chief minister Virbhadra Singh,also addressed the rally.

Speaking on price rise,Sonia defended the UPA government’s ‘tough measures’.

“We realise that people have to go through tough times because of price rise. But it is a global scenario and we cannot escape it. We are importing about 80 per cent oil which is further leading to price rise…At such a tough time,isn’t it the responsibility of the state government to pitch in? While the Congress ruled states have decided to give three additional subsidised LPG cylinders,why couldn’t the BJP do the same in Himachal?”

Regarding FDI,she said,“We have decided to bring in Foreign Direct Investment which will benefit farmers. They will get good price for their produce. The consumers will get commodities at lesser prices. And it is the prerogative of the state governments to implement FDI or not. Whenever we take steps for development,the BJP objects to it. The BJP is not against corruption,it is against the Congress.”

“The BJP’s time is over. People of Himachal have made up their mind to throw them out. In the last four years,the BJP has done nothing for the people of Himachal. Be it roads,law and order,health,education — everything has deteriorated. Vote for the Congress and take your state on the path of development,” Virbhadra appealed while addressing the gathering.