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Journalism of Courage
Running the Government is not difficult. Building a nation certainly is. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh made this observation today on the occasion of entering his third year in office, leading a coalition.
At a function to celebrate the completion of UPA government’s two years in power, Singh and Congress president Sonia Gandhi emphasised that the Government was committed to ‘‘growth and equity’’ and counted several of its achievements to support the claim.
However, both the leaders accepted there was a lot more to be done. ‘‘This is only the beginning,’’ Sonia said referring to the ‘‘achievements’’ of the Government. ‘‘We have many miles to walk to fulfill the aspirations of our people,’’ said the Prime Minister. Both said ‘‘economic prosperity with social justice’’ must coexist.
The Government released a ‘Report to the People’ detailing its landmarks and another series that takes stock of state-wise contributions made by the UPA.
Singh and Sonia spoke with confidence that the Government’s stability was intact despite the fact the Left parties chose to give the function a miss. Left leaders later joined in for the dinner that the Prime Minister hosted for supporting members of Parliament. TRS leader K Chandrashekhar Rao, who was sulking through the day over the delay in the formation of a Telengana state, too joined in the celebration.
‘‘I have been fortunate in receiving the whole-hearted support of all parties that constitute our coalition. Of course, we have different perspectives and viewpoints on many issues. That is both inevitable and even desirable in an open pluralistic democracy,’’ said Sonia.
Singh thanked Sonia for her ‘‘distinguished guidance’’ and ‘‘the Left allies and coalition partners for continued cooperation.’’
Meanwhile, the PM today met President APJ Abdul Kalam and briefed him on the current status of the reservation debate and the protests that the controversy has sparked off. “Current issues of national importance and legislative business in the ongoing session of Parliament were discussed,’’ a Rashtrapati Bhavan spokesperson said.
Manmohan speak
• QUOTA: ‘‘I request all those who are agitating to call of their agitation and have faith in our Government to protect the legitimate interests of all sections of our student community.’’
•n FOREIGN POLICY: ‘‘The international and regional environment is today more conducive to our economic development and nationals’ security than ever before.’’
• OIL SUBSIDY: ‘‘No Government can spend its way to prosperity. We cannot continue to subsidise energy consumption on this scale.’’
• TERRORISM: ‘‘It continues to pose a threat to our cohesiveness and national integrity and we will not compromise in our resolve to face it with courage, conviction and determination.’’
