People have discarded caste,communal politics: Sonia

On her first visit to her constituency after UPA’s return to power with a clear mandate,she said the victory of Congress reflected that people voted for development.

Terming her party’s victory as “important and historic”,she asked Congressmen to strengthen the organisation in each and every district.

“The mandate given by the electorate to Congress in the Lok Sabha is important and historic as it came after a long gap. Now we need to strengthen our organisation in each and every district,” she told party workers at the Feroze Gandhi Degree college.

Regretting that she could not spend much time in her constituency today,Gandhi assured party workers that whenever she came next time,she would spend two-three days.

“This time I could spend only 4-5 hours but next time I will stay for 2-3 days and visit villages,” Gandhi promised while thanking them for ensuring her victory with a huge margin.

Gandhi attributed the success of UPA to the “good work” done by it at the Centre and said the Congress-led coalition used its development agenda to counter the anti-incumbency factor raised by the opposition.

“We tried to fulfil promises made during 2004 Lok Sabha polls and implemented a number of schemes including the loan-waiver to farmers and flagship rural job guarantee programme,” she said.

The Congress President said though she and Rahul could not devote much time to their respective constituencies – Rae Bareli and Amethi – her daughter Priyanka was there for campaigning.

About Uttar Pradesh,Gandhi said the UPA government was committed towards development of the entire state. Referring to local issues,Gandhi said she was aware of problems like power cuts in her constituency and added she would do the needful in this regard.

Local traders organised closure of business establishments in the district till 1300 hours today to draw Gandhi’s attention to frequent power cuts.

Addressing the party workers,Priyanka said they should strive to redress the grievances of the people and honour the mandate given by them.

“We won in Amethi and Raebareli because of your work and struggle. We have a family bonding with the electorate in these constituencies and now it is our duty to honour the mandate given to us,” she said.

She advised party workers to fan out in their respective areas,hear grievances of the people and try to redress them. “After winning elections,its our responsibility to work for the electorate,” she added.