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Journalism of Courage
Congress president Sonia Gandhi today accused the BJP of ushering in fear and tension during its rule and called upon the electorate to reject ‘‘communal forces’’ posing a threat to the nation.
In her first leg of election campaign in Kolar district in Karnataka for the April 20 and 26 Lok Sabha and Assembly polls, Sonia said: ‘‘Gujarat stood as a shining example for the spread of fear and tension by communal forces.’’ The BJP, the VHP and the RSS are disrupting peace in the country, she alleged.
Addressing a huge gathering, she said the Vajpayee government’s assurance of one crore jobs a year remains a dream. Observing that this has frustrated the youth of the country, Sonia said the Centre has failed in creating employment potential.
She said it is only the Congress that can protect the security and unity of the country. Hailing the Sthree Shakthi and Akshara Dasoha midday meal programme of the Karnataka government, Sonia sought a renewed mandate for her party in Karnataka to complete several other unfinished tasks.
Addressing another gathering at Chitradurga, Sonia also pointed out that the PSUs which flourished under the Congress government were sold to the private sector for a pittance. The Congress established these units to provide employment to Dalits, minorities and the tribal people, she claimed.
In his address, Chief Minister Krishna explained the various developmental measures taken by the government and urged the electorate to re-establish the Congress rule.
In Gulbarga, Sonia said the BJP doesn’t have a single programme to boast of. She said: ‘‘Rampant corruption and scandals have been the hallmarks of the NDA regime.’’
