Secularism and all-round development go together: Sonia Gandhi

“When your own government ensures an environment of peace and harmony,there is development in every direction,then only there is prosperity.

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“Every section of society should move forward together… shoulder-to-shoulder. This is India’s secular culture…. and foundation of governance,” Gandhi said at the foundation stone laying ceremony of a Rs 37,230-crore refinery and petrochemical complex here.

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Gandhi’s remarks came in the backdrop of the recent communal violence in Muzaffarnagar district of Uttar Pradesh which left 48 people dead and thousands of others displaced.

Also her party has been targeted by the opposition BJP with its Prime Ministerial candidate Narendra Modi alleging that Congress was wearing a “burqa” of secularism to hide from real issues of development.

The UPA Chairperson said the central government led by Manmohan Singh was committed to all-round development,inclusive growth and empowerment of poor,tribals and women.

Hailing Ashok Gehlot government’s flagship schemes including free medicine and diagnostic facilities in government run hospitals,Gandhi said that refinery and petrochemical complex will give a huge revenue impetus to Rajasthan.

“The revenue so generated would be used in public works and uplift of poor,” she said,adding “I am sure the coming days and years would take this Barmer region to the path of progress and prosperity,and will bring a major change…for that we are dedicated and committed”.

Rajasthan would be the first state in the country to use its own crude oil being explored in Barmer for its oil refinery which would provide 25000 jobs,she said,adding it was a major step for new industries in the state.

On UPA’s performance,Gandhi said the central government has brought a “revolution” for everyone including the poor and the backwards.

Under MNREGA,the UPA government ensured job for 100 days to every person in villages and brought many new Acts including RTI to curb corruption and Right to Education for children.

For women empowerment there are self-help groups and to deal with hunger,the government brought in the Food Security Act under which 80 crore people will get foodgrains at cheaper rates,she said in her 10-minute speech.

Corruption in public distribution system would be curbed through the Food Security Act,she said,adding even “Aadhar card” was linked with it.

Land Acquisition Act was passed so that no one could grab farmers’ land and they would get due compensation,she said.

“I told Parliament that the government would generate resources for farmers as we always think of their interest and we do not neglect them,” she said,adding,”it is our endeavour that the poor,tribals,farmers,women and other vulnerable sections are empowered”.

Speaking on the occasion,Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas M Veerappa Moily voiced confidence that the new oil refinery would be a game changer for Rajasthan.

It would increase India’s refinery capacity and at this rate the country would be self-sufficient in energy by the year 2030. Also Barmer will contribute 22 per cent of oil production of the country,he said. 

“We will provide training at the refinery itself. This refinery and petrochemical complex would go for expansion in future from 9 MMTPA to first at 15 MMTPA and then to 20 MMTPA (Million metric tone per annum)”,he announced.

The refinery would use crude oil from Bhagyam,Mangala and Saraswati wells located in Barmer (CAIRN and ONGC venture),and the crude which was being diverted to Gujarat after travelling 600 kms for refinery purpose would be used here itself,Moily said.

Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot appreciated the UPA government’s cooperation in setting up the refinery that would bring prosperity and generate revenue for welfare of people.