For growth, vote Cong: Sonia

Congress president Sonia Gandhi today hit out at the BJP for being divisive to serve its narrow political ends. Addressing a modest rally

Congress president Sonia Gandhi today hit out at the BJP for being divisive to serve its narrow political ends. Addressing a modest rally, her last in Uttarakhand before the polls, she appealed to the people of the state to side with the Congress to ensure continuous development.

She also tried to touch an emotional chord by reminding them of her old association with Dehradun and Uttarakhand. She recalled that she had been a frequent visitor to Doon Valley due to her family8217;s old ties with the area.

While, Dehradun was a favourite with former prime ministers Jawaharlal Nehru and Indira Gandhi, Rajiv Gandhi and his brother Sanjay Gandhi studied at the famous Doon School here.

8220;I visited Dehardun on many occasion with Rajivji,8221; she said.

Trying to politically exploit another emotional issue, she said: 8220;We supported the move to change the name of the state to Uttarakhand respecting the sentiments of the people.8221;

Hinting at the high inflation, she conceded that the common man was hard pressed, but said the United Progressive Alliance government was committed to the progress of every section of the society.

8220;The UPA government decreased the prices of petrol and diesel few days ago to give relief to the people,8221; she reminded.

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Launching a scathing attack on the BJP, Sonia said the previous BJP government was an utter failure and the state had given a clear mandate to the Congress in the last Assembly polls. 8220;The BJP only wants to rule the state, not for the welfare of the people but for their own vested political interests,8221; she alleged. Listing the development undertaken by the Congress regime, she remarked: 8220;We have proven ourselves.8221;

Complimenting the women voters, who outnumber men in the mountains, Sonia said hill women know their responsibility well, in and outside their homes. 8220;I am proud of them,8221; she commented.