Sonia backs deal at Andhra rally, says nuclear power need of the hour

“At present we are generating power from coal and other natural resources. But the demand for electricity is huge and is growing by the day. To eliminate power shortage in our cities and towns we need the latest nuclear technology and nuclear fuel from other countries,” she said.

Earlier in the day, Sonia inaugurated the Rajiv Arogya Shree, a community health insurance scheme launched by the state Government in 2004, in Nellore. She told the gathering at the police grounds that the Congress governments have worked towards maximum benefits for the poor.

The Rajiv Arogya Shree programme provides free medical care — including treatment for heart ailments and cancer — to BPL families. The scheme was launched in 13 districts. Sonia inaugurated the second phase of scheme that will benefit the people of the 10 remaining districts.

“The Arogya Shree scheme provides modern medical treatment to poor people. Poor people too face life-threatening diseases but they are unable to get proper treatment. Andhra Pradesh has done a commendable job in providing free medical facilities to the poor through this programme and I feel very happy and proud that it is named after my husband,” Sonia said.

Later in the day, the Congress president flew down to Krishnapatnam and dedicated the newly constructed port to the nation and laid the foundation stone for the thermal power plant. Sonia also met local industrialists at the Krishnapatnam port.

Dr Y S Rajasekhara Reddy who had earlier received her at the Tirupati airport accompanied her to Nellore.

He said the Arogya Shree programme reaches out to 7.5 crore poor people in the state. “The state Government had tied up with 887 private hospitals in the state which will provide treatment to the poor under this programme,” he said.

Sonia also visited Ongole and Vijaywada before she left for New Delhi.