Communal forces have BJP blessings — Sonia

MALEGAON (NASHIK) MAY 22: Congress president Sonia Gandhi, at her first public meeting here today, chose to spend more time in mingling with the crowds than on her speech, defying all security protocols. Security personnel had a tough time in controlling the crowds and observe security measures as she rushed towards the crowds, and even shook hands with women.

In her short speech, she lambasted the BJP-led coalition government for being anti-farmer and anti-poor, urging people to overthrow the BJP and its allies. She made an emotional appeal, recalling days of former prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru, Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi, who were committed to the welfare of the poor. She alleged that the BJP and its allies were in power not for the sake of the welfare of the people but for their own political benefits. She said the BJP had no right to remain in power as it was “algaowadi” (separatist) and “phirka parast” (communal) and had deviated from the tradition of equality and secularism. She alleged that the BJP was promoting communalism and deviated from the Congress tradition of preserving harmony. She alleged that communal forces were deriving power from the BJP in committing atrocities on minorities, tribals and the poor.

After her speech of about ten minutes she descended from the stage and waved at the crowds, approaching the `D’ cordon, but securitymen managed to keep the crowds at arm’s length. Then she went backstage and got in a car but moments later came out and rushed towards the crowds again. This time, security personnel had tough time as she shook hands with women. Some people even threw flowers at her as the SPG looked on helplessly. For 15 minutes she chose to mingle with the crowd waving at them and shaking hands.

In her speech she urged people to stop the BJP from reviewing the Constitution, which was an exercise to ensure that the BJP remained in power perpetually. She reiterated that her party would not tolerate the insult to the Constitution. Without naming Sharad Pawar she said that history would not forgive those who had deviated from the principles of the Congress. “Aapki Seva Hamara Dharam Hai” she told the crowd. Speaking on the occasion Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh spoke about the pro-farmer policies of his government and said there was no leader of the stature of Sonia in the country. MPCC chief Govindrao Adik named former MLA Malogirao Mogal and 12 others who had left NCP to join the Congress on the occasion.