Some want to divide society for political gains: Sonia

Putting the terrorists and those politicising the issue at the same level, Gandhi said the objective of both was the same.

“Some people want to divide the society and the country so that it fails to face major challenges. The enemies of the country want this and those who politicise this issue for their political gains also want this,” she said.

Gandhi was speaking at the ‘samajik Kranti Samaroh’ rally in Panipat on the occasion of Mahatma Gandhi’s birth anniversary.

Taking a strong stand against terrorism, the UPA chairperson said, “lakhs of freedom fighters laid down their lives in the freedom struggle… But today some people through terrorism are killing several innocent people and creating an atmosphere of terror.”

She said the terrorists wanted to harm the unity and integrity of the country.

“They (terrorists) want to end social unity and brotherhood. Such people are enemies of society and the country. Such activities should be rooted out. This is a national problem and everybody should come together to fight it.”

Warning people against such nefarious designs, Sonia Gandhi said a society which is divided on mistrust and hatred cannot face any big challenges.

The opposition BJP has time and again accused the Congress-led UPA of being soft on terror for minority appeasement and vote-bank politics.

She reminded the people of the contribution made by Mahatma Gandhi to forge unity and integrity in the country.

“This is a proud moment for our country as the United Nations has understood Mahatma Gandhi’s importance and declared his birthday as International Peace Day,” she said.

The Congress president also hailed the hardships borne by lakhs of freedom fighters to win Independence.

Praising the achievements made by successive Congress governments, Gandhi said the Green Revolution and Bhakra Nangal Dam in the state were symbols of the progressive policies of her party while it was in power.

Gandhi also gave certificates of allotment of 100-sq yards of free residential plots to 328 beneficiaries from the backward communities.