Untitled - Congress Sandesh

Letter to Congress Workers 

Dear friends, 

At the outset I would like to express my grief over the devastation wrought by the earthquake that 

struck Jammu & Kashmir and Pakistan. Thousands of people were killed and thousands have 

been rendered homeless. I appeal to the party workers all over the country to come to the rescue 

of our brothers and sisters in J&K by contributing liberally and volunteering to work in the quakeaffected 

areas. 

The Congress Chief Ministers’ Conclave – 2005 has just concluded in Chandigarh. This meeting, 

like the ones before, is not just an occasion for self-congratulation. Our meetings have the 

serious purpose of influencing the course of political discourse and policies. This can be judged 

from the fact that two key issues we discussed at Guwahati in April, 2002 are now national 

policies. I refer to the Right to Information Act and the National Employment Guarantee Act. 

The Chandigarh Conclave provided the opportunity to exchange views on a wide range of national issues and problems and also discuss the 

implementations of our party’s programmes and promises to the people. As I always said the commitments we make in our manifesto must be 

taken seriously and implemented in earnest. I am aware our state governments make every effort to fulfill the pledges we make to people. But 

what is important is that the fruits of implementation must be felt by the people. It is essential that benefits accruing from our programmes must 

reach the masses, especially the deprived sections. To ensure this the party organization must be involved in policy formulation, monitoring and 

implementation. Our party workers must be made aware of and informed fully at every stage on all what we are doing. 

As I have said before our party workers should not get the feeling that once our party is in power they are forgotten. Political mobilisation 

and participation in the policy formulation and implementation will deepen their commitment and bring them closer to the people. Thus, they 

become an effective bridge between the people and the administration. Such participation will also promote wider social mobilisation which 

is essential for successful implementation of development plans. This will also help sustaining and improving popular support to our party. 

In states where we are not in power, our party functions as the voice of the people pointing out effectively lapses in the implementation of 

government programmes. In the states where we are in power, we function as the eyes and ears, feeling the pulse of the people and taking 

note of the issues bothering them. A political party lives for the people, not the other way round. I keep talking about the need for a closer 

contact with masses only because the Congress is the only party in the country that truly cares for the people irrespective of their caste, 

creed and religion. Our party has proved this innumerable times in its long history. 

Our party is committed to the uplift of rural India where bulk of our population lives and works. Our effort is to channelise this enormous 

energy of the rural work force into productive channels so that rural areas develop fast. This is one area where our party workers can play 

a very constructive role in ensuring the fulfillment of our objectives. And our objectives include not only economic development but also 

social harmony without which neither progress can be achieved nor sustained, even if somehow achieved. Thus, the party organization has 

an enormous responsibility in the overall welfare of the people and their forward movement. 

I am happy to note in the recently held civic body elections in Andhra Pradesh, our party won majority in several corporations and civic 

bodies. I congratulate our government and the party for this excellent work. Soon we will have Assembly elections in Bihar. I appeal to our 

party workers there to work unitedly and win peoples’ mandate. 

October, 2005 Congress Sandesh 

1

Letters to the Editor 

Harassment to Party Workers 

The Mulayam Singh Government in Uttar Pradesh has been harassing 

Congress workers of the state on various counts. I would like to say 

that the Mahila Congress workers in Baraut and Baghpat have been 

heaped with court cases for carrying out processions and 

demonstrations against the Mulayam Singh government. The 

Congress party should take note of such harassment being meted 

out to Congress workers in non-Congress ruled states. 

- Lata Chaudhary, 

President, District Mahila Congress, Baghpat 

Rajiv: A source of Energy 

The birthday of Rajiv Gandhi was 

celebrated as the renewable energy day 

and it was truly relevant as he steered 

the nation into the 21 st century and set 

the foundation to project India as an 

emerging global super power. Whatever 

Rajiv Gandhi did for the country to make 

it a super power proves that he was the 

source of renewable energy. 

- Ashok Kumar Sharma 

DCC, Raipur, Chhattisgarh 

Wake Up! 

Rajasthan is passing through a difficult 

phase. Crops worth crores has been 

destroyed due to lack of rains. The 

forests are being cut down and the 

tigers are being killed in the process in 

the reserves of Ranthambor and 

Sariska. Eight round of firings by the 

state police took place in 19 months. 

The farmers are unable to pay their 

debts because of hike in power/ electricity rates. The farmers in the 

state need water for irrigation but the chief minister does not seem 

to be bothered and is busy performing poojas and religious 

celebrations. It will be better for her to wake up to the problems of 

the poor farmers and try to redress them. 

- Shanker Lal Chaturvedi, 

Chomu, Rajasthan 

Excellent Issue 

I went through the August, 2005 issue of Congress Sandesh which is 

excellent. I felt happy to read it. Each and every page of Sandesh is 

worth reading and which is full of information and I want to keep it safe. 

- Jagatmani Chaturvedi, 

Ranjhi (Jabalpur), M.P 

Dynamic Leadership 

There cannot be second opinion about the fact that under 

the dynamic leadership of Smt. Sonia Gandhi and following 

the path of secularism shown by our great leaders like Pt. 

Jawaharlal Nehru, Smt. Indira Gandhi and Shri Rajiv Gandhi, 

the country has been progressing rapidly and confidently to 

attain all-round development, harmony, prosperity and selfsufficiency 

in every field. By her decision to denounce the 

highest office of Prime Minister of India, Smt. Sonia Gandhi 

has once again set the highest standards of patriotism and 

sacrifice and has become a role model for every Indian. 

I would suggest that in order to 

make the magazine still more 

useful, two pages in each issue be 

dedicated to the new laws, 

legislation for women rights, laws 

on reservation, present bank 

lending rates, facilities for farmers, 

details of Prime Minister’s various 

schemes including Prime Minister 

Awas Yojana, information on Rural 

Employment Guarantee Bill and 

other such schemes which are in 

existence for the benefit of the 

common man. 

- Renuka Chowdhury 

Minister of State for Tourism, 

Govt. of India, New Delhi 

Historic Bill 

The National Rural Guarantee Bill 

is a historic decision of the UPA 

government which will be a boon 

to poor villagers and unemployed 

youth as they have been guaranteed at least 100 days 

employment per year in a family. My only plea is that the 

Congress workers must see that this scheme is implemented 

in non-Congress ruled States. 

- Jayprakash Chandrakar, 

Member, Raipur City Congress, Chattisgarh 

Greetings on victory 

My hearty congratulations and greetings on the thumping 

victory of the Congress party in the Municipal elections in 

the state of Andhra Pradesh. I am very, very happy. 

M.A. Raheem, 

Sudarshan Nagar, Hyderabad. 

2 

Congress Sandesh October, 2005

Contents 

Congress Sandesh 

Published in Hindi & English 

Vol. 8 No. 2, October, 2005 

Editorial Board 

Chairman 

K. Natwar Singh 

Members 

Mani Shankar Aiyar 

Salman Khursheed 

Dr. Girija Vyas 

Sarvjit Singh 

Poonam Sahi 

Editor 

Anil Shastri 

Managing Editor 

KVS Rama Sarma 

Associate Editor 

Dr. Ravni Thakur 

Editorial Team 

Ram Naresh Sinha 

Rattan Francis 

Bipin Sharma 

Manager (Admn. & Circulation) 

Kamal Shahu 

Design & Layout 

Benchmark Graphic (P) Ltd. & Kamal Shahu 

Computergraphics 

Mohan Singh Katyura 

Acknowledgements 

The Hindu, Hindustan Times, India Today. The 

Economics Times, The Indian Express, National 

Herald, The Times of India, R.K.Laxman, Ravi Gulati 

(Photographer) Press Trust of India, Photo Division. 

Editorial & Correspondence office 

Congress Sandesh, 

24 Akbar Road, New Delhi-110 011. 

Phone: 2301 9080 Extn: 429, Fax: 2301 7047 

Published by 

Vasant Sathe on behalf of ‘Sandesh Trust’ 

Printed at : Chaar Dishayen Printers, 

G-40, Sector - 3, NOIDA - 201301 

Edited by : KVS Rama Sarma 

Websites : www.congresssandesh.com & 

http\\:congresssandesh.net 

Subscription Rates 

Monthly Rs. 10/- 

One Year Rs. 100/- 

Two Year Rs. 175/- 

Three Year Rs. 250/- 

DD/Cheques may be sent in favour of ‘Sandesh Trust’ 

As part of good governance which Smt. 

Sonia Gandhi promised after she took 

over the leadership of the party, the party 

has been holding meetings of Congress 

chief ministers regularly to assess the 

performance of Congress governments 

in States and as a major partner of the 

UPA coalition at the Centre. The 

Congress leadership is keen to avoid 

excessive enthusiasm among the chief 

ministers to make promises which 

cannot be implemented like free supply 

of electricity. And also ensure that 

whatever is done for the people reach 

them well in time in a credible and useful 

way. The reports the Congress chief 

ministers made at the Chandigarh 

conclave showed that each of the chief 

ministers has worked hard to fulfil the 

pledges made to the people. This by 

itself is not enough if people are not 

adequately educated about what is 

possible and what is not. Very often 

people make demands especially in 

government agencies which cannot be 

met due to financial and other reasons. 

This happens largely due to 

communication gap between the 

government and the people. The 

Congress Party organization has a 

responsibility to educate the people on 

this score if development process has 

to go on smoothly and fast to yield 

results for the benefit of all. 

CREDIBLE RESULTS OUR AIM 

The Congress President speaks about the aim of 

the party in her address at the Chief Ministers’ 

Conclave 

5 

NO POPULIST GIMMICKS 

The future of India is safe in the caring hands of 

the Congress, says Prime Minister in his address 

at the Chief Ministers’ Conclave 

8 

COVER STORY 

Congress Sandesh correspondent brings out the 

round-up of the Chief Ministers’ Conclave 13 

RAJIV LEFT HIS MARK 

It was Rajiv Gandhi who left his mark on the future 

generations, opines Shri Sarvajit Singh 14 

CP’S VISIT 

The Congress President, Smt. Sonia Gandhi 

visited earthquake-ravaged areas of J&K 16 

VIEWPOINT 

The Rajiv Gandhi ushered reforms, says 

Maharashtra PCC treasurer, Vijay Kalantri 17 

REMEMBRANCE 

Vande Matram diwas was held in Delhi as a 

tribute to martyrs and freedom fighters 18 

TRIBUTES 

Tributes paid to Madame Bhikaji Cama who unfurled 

the flag of India’s independence in 1907 19 

PCC LISTS 

AICC releases the PCC list of Himachal Pradesh 20 

STATES WATCH 

Sonia Visits flood ravaged areas 

Indira Gandhi Award for Mahasweta Devi 

Dharna by NSUI 

Provide Cheaper Health facilities to poor 

CENTENARY CELEBRATIONS 

The Centenary Celebrations of former Prime 

Minister, Shri Lal Bahadur Shastri concludes 26 

MAHILA CONGRESS 

AICC DIARY 

PHOTOFILE 

To Our Readers / Subscribers 

In view of the increased cost of paper and printing we are compelled to raise the per copy price of 

Congress Sandesh to Rs. 10/- w.e.f. June 2002. Subscritpion charges for fresh subscirbers: for 

One Year Rs. 100/-, Two Years Rs. 175/-, Three Years Rs. 250/ Outstation cheques should include 

Rs. 20 towards realization charges. Cheques may be sent in favour of ‘Sandesh Trust’ 

Editor 

21 

22 

23 

24 

29 

30 

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3

Editorial 

Chandigarh Message 

The sixth conclave of Congress Chief Ministers that just concluded 

in Chandigarh will go down as an event of great significance in the 

contemporary political scene in the country. The Conclave, an 

innovation devised by Smt. Sonia Gandhi after she took over the 

reins of the party, is meant to be an occasion for taking stock of the 

implementation of the promises the party made to the people while 

seeking electoral mandate. No other party perhaps in the democratic 

world has a similar institution. From the first conclave itself Smt. 

Gandhi saw to it that the participants – Congress Chief Ministers 

and senior leaders of the party – approached the agenda sincerely 

and exchanged notes and opinions frankly with others, in order to 

fine-tune policies and programmes. The Chandigarh Conclave had 

16 presentations and each one of them had given an opportunity to 

the participants to discuss, issues and offer useful suggestions. The 

Conclaves have become a self-correcting mechanism among the 

Congress Chief Ministers. The Chandigarh Conclave has been held 

at a time when the peoples’ aspirations are high and development 

choices critical. As the Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh said in 

his speech at the conclave that the Congress “returned to power at 

the Centre, not just on a wave of resentment against the NDA, but 

equally on a wave of hope and faith in our ability to provide a 

government that cares,” it was a positive vote for a secular, liberal 

and forward-looking government whose governance is inclusive and 

transparent. The Congress Party responded to the peoples’ wishes 

promising to fulfill their aspirations. True to its promise the nation 

has been brought back to the “politics of moderation and the 

economics of equity and development,” as Dr. Manmohan Singh said. 

The Congress-led UPA coalition government at the Centre 

implemented nearly three-fourth of the commitments made in the 

Common Minimum Programme. Two key issues discussed at the 

Guwahati Conclave in 2002 – Right to Information Act and the 

National Rural Employment Guarantee Act – have now become a 

reality. Apart from this the UPA has taken a number of initiatives 

covering virtually every sphere of activity. But a coalition imposes its 

own limitations. As Smt. Sonia Gandhi said “a coalition arrangement 

makes it all the more necessary to carve out a niche for ourselves 

so that people know what the unique contribution of the Congress 

is. We have to make people aware that the National Common 

Minimum Programme mostly reflects Congress’s manifesto for the 

2004 Lok Sabha elections. And achievements of the CMP are, 

therefore, naturally the fulfilment of our own objectives.” 

Dr. Manmohan Singh and other leaders have done well in cautioning 

the chief ministers to avoid populist gimmicks. “Populism and populist 

gimmicks no longer impress people. Hard work does. Promises like 

free electricity and other promises that cannot be sustained will not 

fetch results. Actual performance does make a difference,” said the 

Prime Minister frankly. This caution is timely and necessary. At the 

same time he also counselled the party that it must educate the 

people about the limitations under which a government functions so 

that false expectations are not generated. Transparency in 

governance is another aspect that received much attention at the 

conclave. The Prime Minister made it clear that the cutting edge of 

governance is in the states. The Centre can formulate policies and 

provide funds, but actual implementation takes place in states and 

that is where the true character of governance is felt. In this context 

the insistence of Smt. Sonia Gandhi on timely and efficient delivery 

system is pertinent. Dr. Singh candidly told the Conclave that “my 

own surmise is that there is considerable dissatisfaction with 

governance and the agents of governance.” He was worried that 

despite economy moving at a good pace “there is persistent 

cynicism.” He was also concerned over slow growth in agriculture 

and hoped that Bharat Nirman programme will help improve the 

situation. However, the success of this will depend on the states 

which have to act judiciously and honestly in implementing the various 

scheme under Bharat Nirman. To ensure this, it would be useful to 

set up a mechanism at the Centre to oversee the task of 

implementation. Rural industrial projects have to be promoted to 

exploit local resources. For this, rules and regulations must be made 

simple. Smt. Sonia Gandhi rightly pointed out at the Conclave 

“elections are won on achievements that can be seen and felt by the 

people in their day to day lives. It is this fact that we have to 

collectively strive for.” That was the message of the Chandigarh 

Conclave. This must be accomplished without resorting to populism. 

That means hard work. 

4 


CP’s Address 

Credible Results Our Aim 

Sonia Gandhi 

Congress President’s speech at the Conclave of Congress Chief 

Ministers – 2005 held in Chandigarh on 7 – 8 October, 2005. 

A warm welcome to all of you. We are meeting in this spacious, 

well-planned city, a tribute to Jawaharlal Nehru’s eclectic vision, that 

is now emerging as an important centre for IT, biotechnology, health 

and other knowledge-based industries. 

This meeting, like the ones before, is not just an occasion for selfcongratulation. 

Our meetings have the serious purpose of influencing 

the course of political discourse and policies. This can be judged 

from the fact that two key issues we discussed at Guwahati in April 

2002 are now national policy. I refer to the Right to Information Act 

and the National Rural Employment Guarantee Act. 

We will today discuss the implementation of our party manifesto in 

the states. The Prime Minister is joining us tomorrow. He will take up 

key Central government schemes and will give us his perception on 

how Congress-ruled states should be geared to implement them. 

I believe in taking our manifesto commitments seriously. I believe 

that our pledges must be fulfilled. I believe that we must all be held 

accountable for the implementation of the promises we have made to 

the people. I see no reason why progress reports should NOT be shared 

by you with the public every two months. 

We have 16 presentations today. I would request you to confine 

yourselves to the essentials of what you have done so far and to what 

more needs to be done. I know that all chief ministers are in regular 

dialogue with the Centre. 

Recently, the Prime Minister has held a meeting of the National 

Development Council. You have discussed, a few weeks earlier, the 

very important issue of reforms in the rural cooperative structure with 

particular emphasis on meeting the credit needs of small and marginal 

farmers. You have also been in touch with the Centre on how VAT is 

being implemented and let me say that the success of VAT is crucial 

for generating additional resources for social welfare programmes. 

I am also aware that discussions have been held recently with the 

Home Minister on dealing with Naxalite violence, extremism and 

insurgency. In fact, we have set aside time later tonight to take this up. 

Today, however, our focus is slightly different. Today and indeed 

tomorrow, it is the political context of our development policies, 

programmes and projects that should guide our deliberations. 

By political context, I mean political mobilisation. Our party 

organisation at all levels has to be closely associated with our 

governments in policy formulation, monitoring and implementation. 

Our party workers must be made aware of and informed fully at 

every stage on all we are doing. Otherwise, how will they propagate 

our accomplishments effectively? Very often, party workers get a 

feeling that once we are in government, we neglect them. 

Political mobilisation will give them a sense of involvement and 

participation. This will also enthuse them to work for much wider 

social mobilisation. This is essential for the success of development 

programmes. It is also essential for sustaining popular support for 

our party. Our objective in all these programmes is the empowerment 

of people. This can only take place when people are made aware of 

their rights and are organised collectively to demand them. 

Let me give you a concrete example of what I mean. The landmark 


5


National Rural Employment Guarantee Act is soon to be launched in 

200 districts. The government is now embarking on an ambitious 

social security package for workers in the unorganised sector. 

Party cadres, including that of our frontal organisations, have to be 

galvanised in a big way to explain to people what these legislations 

are all about. They have to network with social action groups and 

community-based organisations for social audit and monitoring. They 

must proactively use the Right to Information Act to demand 

transparency and accountability in implementation. 

The point I am making is simple. The programmes we launch are 

not just technocratic or bureaucratic interventions. They are 

programmes of the Congress party, borne out of its political vision 

and ideology. Our government and other agencies at the Centre and 

the states are responsible for their implementation. But the party 

organisation must own these programmes and play a pivotal role in 

their monitoring and implementation. 

It is relatively easy for our party organisation to gear itself up in 

states where we are not in government. There, we can launch agitational 

campaigns and highlight the failures of the non-Congress regimes. 

But in states where we are in government, the situation gets reversed. 

Some of our colleagues get into government and I must say our 

workers also expect recognition. This is natural but we must have a 

broader agenda. This is possible only if there is regular interaction 

between those in government and those in the party organisation. 

This applies to us even at the Centre. 

The issue of coalitions is also important when we speak of the political 

context. We are in coalition in a number of states and, of course, we 

are in a coalition at the Centre, which is a new experience for us. 

A coalition arrangement makes it all the more necessary to carve 

out a niche for ourselves so that people know what the unique 

contribution of the Congress is. We have to make people aware that 

the National Common Minimum Programme mostly reflects the 

Congress’s own manifesto for the 2004 Lok Sabha elections. And 

achievements of the CMP are, therefore, naturally the fulfillment of 

our own objectives. 

Let me highlight some other concerns which don’t form part of the 

agenda formally. Many states have had to confront severe natural 

calamities and disasters in the recent past. Our Central government 

has already constituted a National Disaster Management Authority 

and legislation is also on the anvil. While the Centre moves ahead, 

the primary responsibility for disaster management, in all aspects, 

will obviously be that of state and local administrations. I would urge 

all of you to immediately review the state of preparedness for different 

types of natural disasters. 

Perhaps, you could start by the constitution of state-level disaster 

management authorities which could then begin to plan in a more 

systematic manner. Credible public communications and outreach 

are essential in times of crisis to build up the confidence and morale 

of the people. Here again, there is a positive and constructive role 

for the party. I do not want to take this opportunity to once again 

acknowledge the valuable contribution that our party workers have 

time and again made in relief and rehabilitation. 

We will be discussing some issues relating to governance particularly 

in the context of the far-reaching Right to Information Act, 2005 that 

is now law. The Central Government has also set up an Administrative 

reforms Commission. I attach the highest importance to this. 

Government has to work better. Procedures have to be simplified. 

Why, for instance, can’t scheduled caste and scheduled tribe students 

get their scholarships on the first of every month? Why, for instance, 

do retired citizens find it so difficult to get pension and provident 

fund payments on time? Why, for instance, can’t a citizen get a 

passport easily? The other day, I was informed that maternity benefits 

till recently were being provided to needy women under a scheme 

much after the maternity period was over! 

There are a number of such examples, where government rules and 

procedures are part of the problem and not the solution. We owe it 

to the people to have an administration that facilitates, not impedes. 

Economic reforms do not mean the abdication of the role of 

government. They mean making government at all levels caring, 

effective and efficient. They mean making public utilities, particularly 

in power and water, function better and in a more consumer-friendly 

manner. Reforms in governance mean vastly improving the 

functioning of public institutions, particularly in education and health. 

All this will require investment and changes in structure and 

procedures, and political leadership is crucial. 

Our administrations must apply the law of the land, without fear or 

favour, against all those who disturb social peace. In this connection, 

I wan to draw your attention to the significant new law on communal 

harmony that will soon be introduced in Parliament. I would urge all 

of you to adopt it speedily as soon as it is passed. 

I have said this before, that we also owe it to our people to provide 

an administration that is known for probity and austerity. Institutions 

6 



that have been set up for ensuring probity in public life should be 

further empowered to discharge their functions and obligations. 

The stranglehold of contractors and middlemen in development 

programmes, often in nexus with both bureaucrats and politicians, 

must be broken. Procurement through public contracts must be 

made completely transparent. If we don’t do so, we will be continuing 

to perpetrate a crime on the people of our country but most 

particularly on the poor and the deprived. Needless to say, we will 

be negatively affecting our electoral prospects. 

As far as austerity is concerned, I will be returning to it when we have 

the AICC plenary in January next year. Today, my concern is with the 

signals that our administration sends out. These signals should never 

be of waste and profligacy when it comes to the use of public resources. 

We must cut out all wasteful and unproductive expenditure. 

Ever since the Congress-led UPA government came to power 

seventeen months back, there have been unprecedented increases 

in budgetary outlays in areas like education, agriculture research, health 

and nutrition. The Mid-day-Meal has been strengthened by the 

provision of cooked meals and scaling up the levels of assistance. 

The Mid-day- Meals will now be provided even during the vacations in 

drought affected areas. The ICDS has been scaled up and the norms 

are expected to be further revised to ensure universal coverage. 

Major new programmes in areas like rural infrastructure and rural 

health have also been launched. Bharat Nirman conceived by the 

UPA Government is perhaps the most comprehensive and extensive 

rural infrastructure programme ever taken up in the country. A Group 

of Ministers is looking into the details of an Urban Renewal Mission 

that will cover scores of cities in all the states. It is up to our Congress 

States to take maximum advantage of this. 

We face a special challenge in reversing the declining agricultural 

growth rates during the period of the NDA Government. Unless this 

is done, we will not be able to provide for the well-being of the 

millions of rural poor or support our efforts in infrastructure, industry 

and services. An overwhelming number of states need to improve 

their fiscal positions. The Congress States are in a position to take 

a lead in this. 

Success depends crucially on innovations in delivery systems. These 

have to be carried out largely by the state governments themselves. 

Let me state categorically that business-as-usual is simply 

unacceptable. We must look at all these bold new initiatives as 

opportunities for bringing about radical change in the way we 

implement development schemes and programmes. 

The one big innovation in delivery systems that the Congress is 

singularly responsible for is the empowerment of panchayats and 

nagarpalikas. But we have to admit that so far we have succeeded 

only in their political revival. Their administrative and fiscal 

strengthening still eludes us. 

Local self-government bodies deserve to be looked at as institutions 

of governance and not just through the prism of elections. I urge all 

of you to give this matter your personal attention. 

Late tonight, we will have a discussion on law and order in general. The 

issues of naxalite violence in the heart of the country and of insurgency 

in the northeast are serious. We have to better understand and come to 

grips with the deeper socio-economic factors at work. Simultaneously, 

we have to improve the functioning of the police and security forces. The 

channels of dialogue have to be kept open and the wanton killing of 

innocent men, women and children cannot be condoned. 

It has become painfully obvious that we cannot look at naxalite 

violence, particularly, in isolation from issues connected with tribal 

welfare. And within tribal welfare, the issue of land rights is critical. 

This needs to be looked at more humanely and more urgently than 

has been the case so far. I, for once, would like to see a time-bound 

campaign for resolving all land-relating disputes and updating land 

records. Health and nutrition have emerged as very serious concerns 

in tribal areas and I urge you to take this up on a priority basis. 

Finally, let me go back to where I started. I began by calling for 

much greater interaction between our governments and our party 

organization, for much greater involvement of the party in the 

formulation, implementation and monitoring of development 

programmes. Elections are won on achievements that can be seen 

and felt by the people in their day-to-day lives. It is this that we have 

to collectively strive for. 

As chief ministers, you have a special responsibility to be sensitive to 

different perspectives within the party. While running a government, 

you have a special responsibility to give everyone a chance to be heard. 

I cannot but end by recalling the imperative for all of us to rise above 

factionalism, to subjugate our personal ambitions in the larger cause 

of the Party, in the service of all people but especially of the deprived, 

the disadvantaged and the discriminated. 

We have a packed schedule ahead. Let us now get down to business 

straightaway and start our deliberations. 


7

PM’s Address 

No Populist Gimmicks 

Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh 

Prime Minister’s Speech to the Conclave of Congress 

Chief Ministers held on 8 October 2005 in, Chandigarh 

Respected Soniaji, 

Chief Ministers, Ladies and Gentlemen, 

Let me begin by expressing my sincere gratitude to Soniaji and 

to each one of you for this interaction. We are here to take stock 

of the implementation of some key promises we made to the 

people while seeking their mandate. We were returned to power, 

at the Centre, not just on a wave of resentment against the NDA 

but equally on a wave of hope and faith in our ability to provide a 

Government that cares. It was 

a positive vote for a secular and 

a liberal Government. A forwardlooking 

and modernising 

Government. An inclusive and 

transparent Government. 

I am pleased to report that in 

the 16 months that the 

Government of the United 

Progressive Alliance has been in 

office, we have implemented nearly three-fourths of the 

commitments undertaken in the National Common Minimum 

Programme. 

The most important contribution of our Party in Government has 

been to bring the Nation back to the politics of moderation and 

the economics of equity and development. The weaker sections 

of society - the marginalized, the depressed, the Minorities - feel 

a new sense of belonging and ownership in the destiny of our 

Nation. 

We have taken several steps to empower Scheduled Castes, 

Scheduled Tribes, Minorities, Women, children, the disabled, 

senior citizens, and people living in the far reaches of this vast 

land. A Bill to provide for reservation of posts in civil services 

has been introduced. 

We have taken several steps to ensure that commitments already 

made in respect of the empowerment of Scheduled Castes and 

Scheduled Tribes are fulfilled in a time-bound manner. A Group 

of Ministers on Dalit Affairs is monitoring our efforts to promote 

Build an India that is strong, that is prosperous, 

that is liberal and caring, that is inclusive and 

secular. The India that our great leaders, almost 

all of them lifelong Congressmen and women, 

fought for and died for. The future of India is safe 

in the caring hand of the Congress 

the welfare of Scheduled Castes. The Department of Personnel 

is closely monitoring fulfillment of quotas in Government jobs at 

the Centre. I urge State Governments to also pay special attention 

to fulfillment of commitments to dalits and tribals at the State 

level. The Central Government will make sure that at least 80% 

of the vacancies in SC/ST reservation quota jobs in Government 

will be filled on a time-bound basis. Scholarships for higher 

education for SC/ ST students have been significantly increased. 

A High Level Committee is putting together information on the 

social and economic status of the Minorities in India. We have 

also taken steps to economically and socially empower the 

Minorities and widen education 

and employment opportunities 

for SCs, STs and Minorities in the 

private sector. We propose to 

come forward with a New 15- 

Point Programme for the welfare 

of Minorities, with specific 

timelines and targets. State 

Governments must be proactive 

in ensuring the implementation 

of the proposed welfare schemes. 

A path-breaking legislation to protect the land rights of tribals is 

on the anvil. We have brought legislation to prevent domestic 

violence against women and to secure their property rights. There 

can be no better way of empowering the weaker sections of our 

society than investing in their capabilities and this is what we 

are doing. We have set up a National Disaster Management 

Authority to prepare effectively for handling calamities. 

The good news is that the economy is on the move. We are 

witnessing unprecedented sustained growth of the economy at 

the rate of over 7% per annum for three years in a row. In the 

last quarter the growth rate touched 8%. The rate of inflation is 

under control despite enormous pressures on the energy front. 

The rate of investment is rising and business expectations are 

bullish. 

Some infrastructure sectors like telecom, railways and aviation 

are showing rapid improvement. Through adoption of VAT by most 

states, the tax system has improved vastly. India has become 

8 



the third most attractive investment destination after US and 

China. Our efforts towards creating a more peaceful 

neighbourhood have been noted and we are making steady 

improvement. On the whole both the polity and the economy are 

fairly healthy and robust. The progress in our relations with major 

powers has also boosted confidence in the economy. 

If nothing untoward happens we should be able to sustain this 

momentum. However, it also requires hard work from all of us. 

There are three specific areas of concern. 

First, we need a massive infusion of investment in the 

infrastructure sector. We have taken important steps to accelerate 

this process, but much more needs to be done, without delay. 

Second, we must improve the fiscal health of the Central and 

State Governments. The fiscal deficit remains at unacceptably 

high levels. While revenues are rising, so is expenditure and we 

are in danger of sliding back on our commitment to fiscal 

responsibility. State Governments have an especially important 

task at hand to improve their finances and deploy them more 

productively. 

Third, there has been an alarming decline in agricultural growth 

in the Ninth and Tenth Plan period. This must be reversed. Without 

stepping up the rate of growth of income and investment in 

agriculture it will not be possible for us to step up the overall 

rate of growth of the economy and generate employment 

opportunities. This is an area where the state governments have 

a critical role to play. 

Sustained high economic growth is essential to meet the several 

commitments that we have made to increase spending in areas 

like employment, education, and health. It is also essential that 

we improve the quality of governance, at all levels, and implement 

some of the key initiatives we have taken to redeem our pledge 

to our people. 

Employment Guarantee Act 

A key commitment we had made was to end the era of “jobless 

growth” and revive employment. “Rozgar Badhao” was our solemn 

pledge. I am happy that the Parliament passed the National Rural 

Employment Guarantee Act. I must express the gratitude of the 

Government to Soniaji for her unwavering commitment in seeing 

this historic legislation through Parliament. For the first time, 

through this Act, we have recognized the right to work as a 

fundamental legal right. It entitles the rural poor to guaranteed 

employment for hundred days. The Act provides for a phased 

rollout with 200 backward districts covering a third of the country 

being taken up initially. This will be expanded to cover the entire 

country over the next five years. Under guidelines of the Centre, 

states are expected to craft locally relevant schemes to generate 

employment and create productive assets. It is up to the states 

to make this a creative agenda for rural transformation utilizing 

the large resources that will flow under this programme. 

The NREGA must be a transparent, people’s programme. 

Therefore, methods of estimation and measurement of works and 

rates of payment for each task should be made transparent. The 

labour that seeks work must understand what is offered, on what 

terms and demand its full entitlement. Similarly, there should be 

complete transparency in maintenance of muster rolls and 

payment of wages. 

Every aspect of implementation will be covered by the Right to 

Information Act, which is another historical legislation enacted 

by our Government. People will have general access to public 

records and information pertaining to the Employment Guarantee 

Act. Our state governments must take the lead in evolving best 

practices in the implementation of the Act. I request Chief 

Ministers to commit their best civil service talent for its 

implementation. Please use this programme to also strengthen 

decentralization and panchayati raj in your states. Make this a 

laboratory for right to information and enhancing transparency 

and accountability. The Congress Governments must lead the 

way and set an example for all. 

Bharat Nirman 

To upgrade rural infrastructure, our government has conceived a 

time-bound business plan under Bharat Nirman. It is flagship 

programme for our Government. We are committing over Rs. 

1,74,000 crores to it. Bharat Nirman should unleash the growth 

potential of our village. In the next 4 years we need to ensure 

that every habitation has potable drinking water. Every village of 

over 1000 population, or over 500 in hilly and tribal areas, must 

have an asphalted road. Every village must have electricity and 

telephone connectivity. We must ensure that over one crore 

hectares of land is irrigated. We have to ensure that atleast 60 

lakh rural houses are built. 

Bharat Nirman will be our legacy. Like the Rural Employment 

Guarantee Act, its success too will depend critically on your 

commitment and active support at the State level. Bharat Nirman 

must build on our commitment to rural employment. I am asking 


9


the entire Bharat Nirman programme to be web-enabled so that 

citizens can monitor progress. Congress governments must lead 

the effort in Bharat Nirman. It is an agenda that addresses the 

basic needs of our people in rural areas. I request each Chief 

Minister to set up his own monitoring system to ensure Bharat 

Nirman is achieved ahead of schedule in Congress states. 

Education 

Our investment in education through Sarva Siksha Abhiyan for 

universal elementary education has been backed by resources 

and the cess created for it. Funds under Prathmik Shiksha Kosh 

will be non-lapsable and receipts from the education cess will 

be available on a rollover basis for financing elementary education 

and the mid-day meal scheme. Our Government has revised the 

midday meal scheme with higher scales of assistance. It has 

introduced assistance for cooking a mid-day meal scheme 

programme for Government-run and Government-aided primary 

schools. Over 11 crore children will benefit. It has also made 

provision for mid-day meals during summers in drought-affected 

areas. Funds for this have been doubled. Funds will not be a 

constraint if the programme is implemented with commitment. 

We have also increased scholarship assistance to students 

specially for students belonging to SC/ ST and Minority 

communities. 

We are committed to widen access and pursue excellence in 

education and provide humane and affordab1e health care. The 

increased financial allocations to Sarva Siksha Abhiyan, the 

modernization and reform of school and higher education and 

proposed scholarship programmes will address this challenge. I 

hope Chief Ministers will pay special attention to education. We 

have constituted a Knowledge Commission and I urge you to pay 

close attention to the Commission’s work and recommendations. 

Health 

Health is a priority area for us. I am concerned that in the past 

decade India has lagged behind in recording an improvement in 

our health indicators. The Infant Mortality Rate is reducing very 

slowly and Maternal Mortality Rate is almost static. The state of 

our health care system and of public health are directly 

responsible for this state of affairs. We have strengthened the 

incentives for it through universal cooked mid day meal. Expansion 

of the Integrated Child Development Scheme should take care of 

nutrition of pre-school children. The National Rural Health Mission 

is an important initiative. The Mission seeks to provide each village 

with a health-care provider, improve sub-health centers with 

untied grants, improve rural hospitals and implement an intersectoral 

District Plan. I seek your active guidance for this Mission. 

It is up to the State government to ensure that these resources 

are effectively utilized. Congress states should be role models in 

this regard. These incentives must lead to improvements in quality. 

Services like education and health will not improve without 

accountability to the user. You need to think of ways of doing 

this. Panchayats should be made to report on record of 

educational attainments at the gram sabha level. State level 

reports could also be prepared. 

Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare 

The growth in agriculture has not been at the required pace in 

recent years. We have taken a number of steps to alleviate the 

problems of our farmers, such as improving and enhancing the 

flow of agricultural credit, increasing investment opportunities 

and storage facilities, launching a National Horticulture Mission 

to increase the output and trade in fruits and vegetables, and 

promoting research and training in agriculture. By 2007 we should 

have a Krishi Vigyan Kendra in every district, to spread the benefits 

of advanced research and training to farmers. Large parts of 

our country are still dependent on rainfall and we will focus on 

removing the problems of farmers in dry land areas. 

The development programmes undertaken under Bharat Nirman 

will improve rural infrastructure. We have taken several measures 

to address directly the requirements of rural credit. As against 

the announced target of Rs 104,500 crore credit disbursement 

during fiscal 2004-05 to agriculture and allied activities was Rs. 

115,243 crore. We are committed to the reform and revitalization 

of rural cooperatives. I was happy to note that the Chief Ministers’ 

Conference endorsed the recommendations of the Vaidyanathan 

Committee Report. We need commitment of states to put in place 

the plan to revamp the cooperative credit system to make rural 

credit cheap for the farmer. 

The water agenda is most critical to our agrarian economy. We 

now have opportunities to undertake a massive Peoples’ Mission 

for Water Conservation. The Ministry of Panchayat Raj is working 

on a Mission that will orient panchayats and citizens to invest on 

a water agenda. Over 50% of NREGA funds are to be spent by 

the panchayats. A National Rain-fed Areas Authority is being set 

up to focus on solutions for dry-land agriculture. While the lower 

end of agriculture in the rain-fed areas can be improved through 

10 



such an intervention, the higher end needs to diversify. To diversify 

agriculture we have started the Horticulture Mission. We need to 

give freedom to our farmers to get the best prices. The Ministry 

of Agriculture has been trying to persuade states to amend the 

Agriculture Produce’ Marketing Laws. I would request Chief 

Ministers of Congress states to complete this at the earliest. 

Urban Renewal 

The time has come for us to recognise that with increasing 

urbanization, urban renewal is also a major development 

challenge. Basic facilities like drinking water, sanitation, public 

spaces and public utilities, public transport are not available in 

most of our towns and cities. State Governments have to grapple 

with this challenge in an imaginative manner, given the constraint 

of resources. We are launching an Urban Renewal Mission on 

Pandit Nehru’s birthday on 14 November through which funds 

can be made available, provided certain urban reform measures 

are undertaken. We should adopt a humane and developmentoriented 

approach to dealing with slum improvement and 

clearance. People’s rights and needs must be recognized and 

forward-looking policy options considered to make our urban 

areas liveable. 

Right to Information 

The Right to Information is a powerful tool to empower the citizen. 

Congress governments must realize its creative potential and use 

this new law effectively to create accountability in governance. 

The Right to Information Bill approved by Parliament imposes 

obligations on Government agencies to disclose information on 

their own. This will reduce cost of access to information and can 

be a powerful instrument for good governance. 

Each state must figure out the best way to improve its delivery 

system. Improvements in delivery are critically dependent on the 

extent of citizen empowerment and decentralization. The 73rd & 

74th amendments were conceived by Rajivji and introduced by 

the Congress government. We have advanced quite a bit on the 

panchayat raj front but urban decentralization is a non-starter in 

most states. Panchayat and urban local body empowerment must 

be an article of faith for Congress Chief Ministers. They should 

lead the way and show how the power of the people can be used 

to improve governance. 

Internal Security 

I have repeatedly emphasized my concern with the manner in 

which we are dealing with internal security challenges facing the 

country. I draw your attention to my address to the Conference 

of Chief Ministers on internal security and the conference of DGPs 

and Superintendents of Police. All our plans for economic 

development will amount to nothing if we cannot ensure the rule 

of law. Precisely for this reason, those who wish to place hurdles 

in our path will fish in troubled waters, and pro-actively muddy 

the waters. We must be alert to such threats and conspiracies, 

and respond intelligently and creatively. Often innocent and lawabiding 

citizens become victims of propaganda and circumstance. 

Often it is their extreme deprivation and a sense of hopelessness 

that drives them into the arms of anti-social and anti-national 

groups. 

We must also sensitize the police and security forces to ensure 

that they function in a humane, but firm, manner. No Government 

can ever accept violence against any section of society. It is not 

just our duty. It is a mark of our culture. How can we allow the 

unacceptably high incidence of violence against women in our 

country? How can we accept attacks on dalits? How can we 

accept attacks on Minorities, in any part of the country? This 

politics of hatred goes counter to our civilisational ethos. Our 

management of law and order, of internal security, must reflect 

our civilisational values. 

The Congress Party and our State Governments must set an 

example in dealing with such complex challenges to our society, 

our Constitution, our culture and values. 

Governance 

If we look around, what is the happiness index of the average 

citizen vis-à-vis the government? My own surmise is that there 

is considerable dissatisfaction with governance and the agents 

of governance. Tolerance of dissent, respect for minority opinion 

and compassion to the weak are virtues for any government. 

Congress has historically a tradition of promoting these values. 

We should strive to create and sustain a political culture that 

embraces these values. Austerity in public life should be the 

distinguishing feature of the Congress leadership. It can never 

be an outdated virtue in this country that values sacrifice and 

not opulence. The people of our country are impatient for a better 

quality life, impatient for new opportunities. As I have said before, 

on many occasions, we will be failing them if we do not think 

innovatively and act with courage. We must recognize the 

challenges and the opportunities we face. We have set up an 

Administrative Reforms Commission which we hope will make 


11


practical suggestions for improving governance. 

Bold initiatives are called for on the economic front. I would like 

to see an improvement in our public finances at all levels of 

Government, especially State Governments. We must reduce 

subsidies for the rich and divert these resources into investment 

and employment generation. There is an urgent need for the 

restructuring of public expenditure. If we want to generate 

resources for investment and employment generation then we 

must make bold initiatives to generate revenues and, equally 

importantly, alter the profile of expenditure. 

The cutting edge of governance is in the States. The Central 

Government can at best offer funds and propose policies. The 

cutting edge of Government, the delivery of public services, the 

interface between Government and the ‘people, is at the State 

level. The citizen’s confidence in our governance systems is 

shaped by how you, at the State level, at the village level, manage 

the affairs of the State. Our Congress Chief Ministers must show 

the way and set an example for others to follow. Our response 

must be adequate to the challenge at hand. Both in terms of 

protecting law-abiding citizens and in ensuring their welfare and 

well-being. 

On the one hand, the economy is moving at a good pace and there 

is an air of optimism. On the other hand, there is persistent cynicism 

about Governments and about governance. We cannot ignore the 

growing desire of an increasingly informed people for better 

governance, for higher standards of morality and for courage in 

dealing with the challenges at hand. Populism and populist gimmicks 

no longer impress people. Hard work does. Promises like free 

electricity and other promises that cannot be sustained will not fetch 

results. Actual performance does make a difference. 

I urge our Congress Chief Ministers to make that difference. I 

also urge our Party to provide the interface between Government 

and the People more actively. The Party must explain our policies 

to the people. The Party must alert the Government to its mistakes 

and faults. It is. a vital two-way role that the Party must play. 

I do sincerely believe that the Party must educate the people 

about the limitations under which a Government functions so 

that false expectations are not generated. Our people are patriotic. 

They understand what is in the best interests of the country. But 

this must be explained to them. Be it our economic policy, or our 

foreign policy, or our national security policy. The Party must 

explain what our thinking in Government is to the people. It must 

ensure that false expectations are not generated. It must also 

ensure that deliberate disinformation by vested interests is 

countered. The people of India will never question the patriotism 

of the Congress Party. Let no one question our intentions and 

motivations, even if they disagree with our policies. We have only 

one intention and one motivation. To build an India that is strong, 

that is prosperous, that is liberal and caring, that is inclusive and 

secular. The India that our great leaders, almost all of them lifelong 

Congressmen and women, fought for and died for. The future of 

India is safe in the caring hand of the Congress. Jai Hind! 

12 


Cover Story 

Caring For People Congress Agenda 

Sixth Congress CMs’ Conclave Discusses 

Manifesto Implementation 

CHANDIGARH: The two-day chief ministers’ conclave of the 15 chief 

ministers of the Congress-ruled states commenced here on 7 th 

October at the Punjab Bhawan in the backdrop of the Shivalik hills. 

The conclave held at regular intervals takes stock of the progress 

and developmental work carried by the chief ministers in their 

respective states as per the party manifesto which varies from state 

to state according to the demands of the people of that particular 

state. This situation is reviewed at the Chief Minister’s Conclave 

which also debates and discusses the implementation of the 

Congress national manifesto so that the benefits are passed down 

to the common man. 

But this conclave, which is sixth in the series, was a little different 

from the previous conclaves. At this conclave the Congress President, 

Smt Sonia Gandhi emphasized the need for the party leaving its 

‘distinctive imprint’ on the coalition governments and making people 

aware of its contribution to the Common Minimum Programme (CMP). 

Smt. Gandhi reminded the chief ministers of the need to associate 

party at all levels with policy formulation, monitoring and 

implementation and called for regular interaction between those in 

the government and the party. She said that everyone should rise 

above factionalism and subjugate personal ambitions in the larger 

interests of the party and the people, especially the deprived and 

the disadvantaged and the discriminated. Having experienced the 

administrative hurdles during the implementation of the social sector 

schemes, Smt. Gandhi said that government rules and procedures 

were part of the problem and not the solution. She said, “We owe it 

to the people to have an administration that facilitates, not impedes.” 

Smt. Gandhi stressed that the role of the government should be 

caring, effective and efficient at all levels. And their role in dealing 

with public-interest utilities, particularly power and water should 

function in a better and more consumer-friendly manner. 

Despite all these practical hindrances, the Congress President 

seemed happy that the Congress-ruled states were fulfilling the 

promises made to the people before the elections and were religiously 

implementing policies and programmes as per our manifesto. 

The conclave commenced with the opening address of the Congress 

President and there after there were discussions on manifesto 

implementation with the Chief Ministers and general secretaries 

incharge of Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Delhi, Goa, 

Haryana, Himachal Pradesh and the deputy CM of Jammu and 

Kashmir in alphabetical order in the fore-noon session. In the 

afternoon session the discussion continued with the chief ministers 

and general secretaries incharge of Karnataka, Kerala, Maharashtra, 

Manipur, Meghalaya, Pondicherry and Uttaranchal. In late evening, 

discussions were also held with all the chief ministers on law and 

order, naxal violence and insurgency. 

The second and concluding day started with the address of the Prime 

Minister and then deliberations and discussions continued on key 

programmes of the National Common Minimum Programme which 

varied from Employment Guarantee Act, Bharat Nirman, panchayats, 

Right to Information Act, education, ICDS, health, agriculture and 

power. Though the deliberations had to be halted briefly due to the 

shock waves of the earthquake, which brought heavy loss of life and 

property in the hilly areas of Jammu and Kashmir and in neighbouring 

Pakistan, more precisely in PoK. 

The Conclave rounded-off with the Meet the Press where the Prime 

Minister and the Congress President jointly answered the queries of 

the media. 

- Rattan Francis 

Chief Ministers’ Conclave Schedule 

Friday, 7th October, 2005 

8.00 am – 8.30 am Opening Address by Congress President 

Discussions on Manifesto Implementation: Andhra Pradesh, 

Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Delhi, Goa, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh 

and Jammu & Kashmir (by deputy CM) 

1.30 pm – 2.05 pm Lunch 

Karnataka, Kerala, Maharashtra, Manipur, Meghalaya, Pondicherry 

and Uttaranchal, Wrap up discussion 

8.15 pm – 9.30 pm 

Discussion on Law and Order, Naxalite Violence and Insurgency 

Saturday, 8th October, 2005 

8.00 am – 8.30 am Address by Prime Minister 

Discussion on key NCMP programmes: Employment Guarantee Act, 

Bharat Nirman, Panchayats, Right to Information, Education, ICDS, 

Health, Agriculture and Power 

12.30 pm – 1.00 pm Lunch 

1.00 pm – 1.45 pm Press Meet 

2.00 pm Depart 


13

Opinion 

Rajiv Left His Mark on Future Generations 

Sarvajit Singh 

political family, the decision to lead from 

the front could never have been easy. 

While it remains fashionable among a 

section of the countrymen and women 

to thumb down the vocation of politics, 

Rajiv Gandhi’s philosophy and 

understanding of it can make everyone 

sit up. 

Once interacting with university 

students, Rajivji demonstrated why it was necessary for good, 

educated people to join politics. Picking up a glass of water, he poured 

half its content away and asked the students what happened now. 

He said the half-empty glass as it appeared was actually filled with 

air that went out only when the glass was filled up again and if the 

glass was completely drained out of its content air re-enters to occupy 

entire empty space. 

History is a mute witness to the achievements of leaders and the 

impact of their performance is really measured many years after 

they have left us. A decade and a half is a comparatively short 

period in contemporary history to reach a conclusion on the 

contribution of Rajiv Gandhi to the nation. It is short because most of 

the people with whom our beloved leader worked with are still around 

while he left us suddenly. 

Yet, when we look around and try and make a list of what Rajiv 

Gandhi achieved in his short political life, we realize that it would 

take a lifetime in even attempting to chronicle on how he has left his 

imprint in the sands of time. 

If one just sits back and ponders, memories come flooding of a man 

who took up what he believed – by choice. Just one thing strikes the 

most; Rajiv Gandhi sacrificed the most. He sacrificed his profession, 

his personal comfort and eventually his life all for the cause of the 

nation. 

Rajiv Gandhi’s decision to plunge into politics came at a time when 

he and his family was struggling to come to terms with the death of 

brother Sanjay Gandhi in an air crash. Having consciously kept himself 

away from politics even though he lived in the house of India’s first 

So the lesson was there can be no vacuum in politics. Like air that 

rushes into an half-empty or completely-empty glass, someone or 

the other would take the political space. As a result if good people 

want to take charge of their lives, they must come forward and play 

a role. 

And if you look around, some of the best and the bright people in the 

country were drawn to politics during Rajiv Gandhi’s time. He made 

it a point to make them contest elections and gave them positions of 

power and some of them are still occupying important posts. 

Rajivji inspired not just a whole generation but left his mark on future 

generations too. He is the indelible link between India of the 1980s 

and those in the new Millennium. The net-savvy knowledge 

powerhouse that India is today was the signal contribution of the 

man who was pilloried by opposition then. He always said India should 

be prepared for the next century and unfolded his vision for the 

country. By brining in computers, two decades ago Rajiv Gandhi 

could see how life would be revolutionized for the ordinary being. He 

had to face the usual quota of brickbats from the prophets of doom 

but Rajivji knew that the prescription to take the country forward 

was right. And today, everyone acknowledges that Rajiv was a person 

far ahead of his time and his detractors have been proved hopelessly 

wrong. This is just one of the most well-known illustrations of what 

a leader with vision could do to transform the lives of millions. 

14 


Opinion 

It was Rajiv Gandhi who gave the whole process of liberalization a 

big push by initiating several moves soon after coming to power. 

Rajiv Gandhi foresaw India’s tremendous potential in Information 

Technology and telecom. It was he who steered India into the 

computer and telecom age. He unleashed a plethora of programmes 

for the common man, such as the PCO revolution, which became 

the communication lifeline of the country. 

His technology missions say for instance in oilseeds were 

programmes aimed at addressing the root cause of the problems 

and find a lasting solution. Abandoning them midway for political 

reasons showed the harm it can cause to the health of the nation. 

Rajiv Gandhi’s plan for making the world a safe place to live is still 

ranked as the best. During his time, world leaders took note of what 

India was saying. Instances of how much he influenced leaders 

around the globe keep coming up. 

One area that does not get much space is Rajiv Gandhi’s contribution 

to Indian sports. His love for sports and excellence as an administrator 

came to fore in the run up to the 1982 Asian Games New Delhi 

hosted. Taking charge of the mammoth international obligation after 

the previous Government virtually shelved it, Rajiv Gandhi made sure 

the event showcased the country’s ability to host such a multidisciplined 

event with professional competence. 

Another instance that comes to mind was his decision to have live 

telecast of the 1986 World Cup Football. In these days of 24 hours 

satellite channels offering a variety, Indian football fans cannot 

imagine that those were the days when it was virtually unthinkable 

to witness all the matches with pictures being beamed live from 

halfway across the globe – Mexico to be precise. 

PM Shares Grief and Sorrow of the people 

SRINAGAR: The Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh made a 

one-day visit to the quake-affected areas of Jammu and Kashmir 

on 11 October to assess the damage caused by the earthquake 

that hit J&K and neighbouring Pakistan on 8 th October. The Prime 

Minister later visited the injured admitted to the government hospital 

in Srinagar and inter-acted with them and consoled them. 

Dr. Singh said that the 8 th October earthquake was a national 

calamity and the Centre would provide all possible help to the state 

government to overcome this tragedy. 

Dr. Singh said, “I have come 

to share the grief and sorrow 

of the people of J&K, and 

looking at the intensity of the 

destruction, I have sanctioned 

an additional relief of Rs. 500 

crores for rehabilitation of 

quake-hit areas.” 

A relief package of Rs. 100 

crores had already been 

sanctioned, in addition to the 

Rs. 42 crore the state had set 

aside to deal with such calamities. “Money would be no constraint,” 

assured Dr. Singh. 

The Prime Minister said the people in Uri and Tangdhar immediately 

needed tents, blankets and drinking water. Subsequently, there 

would be need to construct houses before the onset of winter, Dr. 

Singh added. 

Then there is another instance when Indian women relay team was 

held up by officials from taking part in a world event. The squad 

included famous P.T. Usha and Shiny Wilson among others and just 

statement from the athletes underscored Rajiv Gandhi’s grasp of 

situation, he told them that if they were the best relay team in Asia, 

they must be allowed to take part in the world event. And they did. 

It is entirely appropriate that the country decides each year to honour 

its best sportsperson with Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna award. The best 

deserves to be bestowed by an honour in the memory of the best. 

Rajiv Gandhi was different. He choose to be different and infused 

freshness into political thinking in the country. The process he set in 

motion continues even now, an eloquent tribute of what a man ahead 

of his time can do for the nation and the world. 

(The author is member, Editorial Board, Congress Sandesh) 

“Housing is the biggest problem. While tented accommodation 

will be adequate for immediate needs, winter is setting in soon. 

People need protection against cold weather,” Dr. Singh said and 

added that pre-fabricated houses or other options would be 

explored. 

The Prime Minister said, “No resources would be spared and we 

will use the services of every agency, both Centre and State, to 

ensure proper housing facilities in the quickest possible time.” 


15

CP’s Visit 

Sonia Gandhi visits Quake-injured in Uri, Tangdhar 

with you.” Later in the day, Smt. Gandhi visited the Army hospital at 

Badagamibagh Cantonment at the headquarters of 15 Corps. 

Defence Minister, Shri Pranab Mukherjee put the death toll at 588, 

which included 50 Army and Border Security Force personnel. Talking 

to reporters, he said: “The Army and the Indian Air Force will continue 

to provide all help in rescue and relief operations.” He also announced 

that an additional Rs. 42 crores from the Calamities Relief Fund 

would be provided. This was in addition to the assistance of Rs. 100 

crores announced by the Centre on 8 th October night. 

Fifty to sixty men of the Border Roads Organisation were feared 

killed in a landslip near Lal Pul close to the Line of Control in Uri 

sector, officials said. The Aman-Setu bridge on Srinagar- 

Muzaffarabad Road, which links Kaman post on the Indian side of 

Line of Control with Chakoti tehsil of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, 

also collapsed. The bridge on the Pakistan side was partially 

damaged, a spokesman of 15 Corps said. 

Rajiv Gandhi: The Super Statesman 

SRINAGAR: United Progressive Alliance (UPA) chairperson, Smt. 

Sonia Gandhi on 9 October visited the earthquake-ravaged areas of 

Jammu and Kashmir and promised that the Central and State 

governments would reach out to the remote villages and provide 

necessary relief. 

The number of injured has gone up to 1,250 with fresh contact 

being established with the remote villages of Kupwara belt on Sunday 

(9 October). 

Smt. Gandhi flew to Uri and Tangdhar to visit the affected families 

and see the extent of damage, besides reviewing rescue and relief 

measures. She was accompanied by Chief Minister, Shri Mufti 

Mohammad Sayeed, Defence Minister, Shri Pranab Mukherjee, Urban 

Development and Parliamentary Affairs Minister, Shri Ghulam Nabi 

Azad, Gen. J.J. Singh and People’s Democratic Party chief, Ms. 

Mehbooba Mufti. 

Smt. Gandhi said in Uri: “We have come here to share your grief. I 

have myself seen the tragedy, which has brought a lot of destruction 

and also met the injured. I know you are very unhappy, but we are 

NEW DELHI: On the occasion of Rajiv Gandhi’s 61 st birth 

anniversary, a symposium was organized by the ICWA, presided 

over by its president, Shri Harcharan Singh Josh. Sh. Josh in his 

address said that it was his genius that introduced into the new 

technologies and made computer a household word and 

catapulted India into the Twenty First Century. He brought a 

revolution in communication systems and information software 

which are now the envy of the world. 

In his inaugural address Sh. Mani Shankar Aiyer, Minister for 

Petroleum and Panchayati Raj, said that it was Rajiv who made 

India into a true democracy by ushering in Panchayati Raj as a 

part of the Indian Constitution. He called Rajiv, a gentleman with 

the brilliant vision of a great statesman who also gave human 

face to administraton. 

Rajiv was a world statesman who gave UN Action Plan for 

disarmament which is as valid today as it was at that time. In the 

Belgrade Summit of 1989 he supported Sustainable Development 

Fund with contribution from the Developed Nation for developing 

nations to introduce new technologies. * 

- By S.C. Prashar (Secretary General - ICWA) 

16 


Viewpoint 

Rajiv Gandhi Ushered Reforms 

Vijay G Kalantri 

Shri Rajiv Gandhi, a visionary par excellence would have been 

sixty-one today had destiny not snatched away his 

charismatic presence from us. The youngest Prime Minister 

India ever had, Rajiv was all of 40 when he took the hot seat. 

He influenced the national thinking through his speech, 

writings, and above all – action. He held a futuristic vision 

for India and boldly sowed the seeds of a cascade of longterm 

initiatives, including economic, foreign investment, and 

industry boomed with the loosening of business controls. He 

also stressed upon the improvement in productivity, 

absorption of modern technology and fuller utilization of 

capacity in the fields of science and technology and industry. 

Mr. Rajiv foresaw India’s tremendous potential in IT and 

telecom. It was he who ushered India into the computer and 

telecom age. He unleashed a plethora of programmes for 

the ordinary people, such as the PCO revolution, which 

became the communication lifeline of the country. The 

ushering in of computers has also boosted the service sector 

which is dependent on the IT sector. India today is leading 

in the service sector industry for which the credit goes to 

late Mr. Rajiv Gandhi. 

It is true, the moves towards liberalization in the economic 

sphere began during the later part of Indira Gandhi’s Prime 

Ministership. But it was Mr. Rajiv Gandhi who gave the whole 

process of liberalization a big push by initiating several moves 

soon after coming to power. The liberalization measures 

benefited not only the large-scale sector, but also the smallscale 

sector. 

Among the steps taken to benefit the large-scale sector was 

the amendment to the MRTP Act which raised the assets limit 

from Rs. 20 crores to Rs. 100 crores. The minimum economic 

capacity of a range of industries also gave a boost to the 

large-scale industries. 

Broadbanding in several branches of industries also gave 

much elbow room to industries. The new industrial policy 

which stressed on delicensing, revision of Appendix-I list of 

industries gave the much-needed encouragement to the 

industrial sector. Special policy moves were initiated for the 

alcohol and molasses, computers, drugs, electronics, textile 

and other industries. With a view to decentralize industries, 

policy measures were set in motion for development of 

backward areas and encourage shifting of industries to rural 

areas. 

The small-scale sector too had its share of benefits. The 

setting up of a special funding body to finance small-scale 

industries (SIDBI) exempting machineries installed for 

modernization and pollution control from the computation of 

cost of machineries (Rs. 35.00 lakhs), several excise 

concessions are among the important steps taken to help 

the small scale sector. 

The new seeds policy and the agriculture price policies 

protected the peasants from the vagaries of market forces 

giving the agricultural sector a sense of stability. 

The setting up of the Securities and Exchange Board of India 

(SEBI), the Discount and Finance Housing of India and other 

measures lent an element of protection to the small investor, 

thus attracting a large section of the population to the capital 

market, resulting in India having the third largest number of 

investors in corporate investment market. 

The Rajiv Gandhi’s government knew that there was a 

potential market in India for consumer durables and went 

ahead with encouraging production of these items. The 

growing middle class has been feeling the dearth of consumer 

durables. Their needs had to be met. The government 

recognized this and took the necessary steps giving a shot 

in the arm for these industries. 

These are achievements of which any government could be 

proud of. These achievements have made the life easier for 

a large segment of the population, who will undoubtedly opt 

for the continuation of the policies which have brought about 

an improvement in their lives. 

(The author is President, All India Association of Industries 

and Treasurer, Maharashtra PCC) 


17

Remembrance 

‘Vande Matram’: A Tribute to Martyrs 

and Freedom Fighters 

NEW DELHI: The centenary celebrations of Vande Mataram 

commenced with observance of ‘Vande Mataram Divas’ in the historic 

Red Fort here on September 7, 2005. Nearly 500 freedom fighters 

from various states and thousands of people from all walks of 

life participated in the day-long celebrations. The speakers at 

the function recalled historic significance of Vande Mataram which 

was adopted as a national song at the AICC session in Varanasi, 

a century ago, on September 7, 1905. The national committee 

had been sponsored by the 

Freedom Movement Memorial 

Committee at the initiative of Shri 

Shashi Bhushan, an octogenarian 

veteran freedom fighter. 

Addressing the public meeting, Shri 

Arjun Singh, Union Minister of HRD, 

lauded the spirit of Vande Mataram, 

which inspired Indian youth and 

said that in the present scenario, 

youngsters have to inculcate the values and ideals of Vande 

Mataram to realize true freedom for the people of India. 

Shri S. Jaipal Reddy, Union Minister of IB and Culture who presided 

over the meeting said that Vande Mataram, as a war cry, has 

been the most inspiring one in the history of the world as it reflects 

and promotes the idea of India as one nation. Shri Vasant Sathe, 

senior Congress leader, recalled the days of freedom struggle 

when slogans of ‘Vande Mataram’, ‘Inquilab Zindabad’ and ‘Jai 

Hind’ were raised. Surprisingly, those who opposed Mahatma 

Gandhi and freedom struggle were now masquerading as pseudo 

admirers of martyrs and freedom movement. 

Shri Shashi Bhushan, former MP and convenor of Vande Mataram 

Centenary Celebrations Committee said that it was an irony that 

those who opposed freedom struggle were now trying to hijack 

Mahatma Gandhi, Shaheed Bhagat Singh and Vande Mataram. 

MESSAGE 

“When Vande Mataram was first sung, one hundred years ago, at the 

Varanasi session of the Indian Congress in 1905, it captured the hearts 

and imagination of Indians as a stirring battle cry in the fight against 

imperialism. Today, this immortal song continues to inspire and move 

us, as an unequalled anthem of patriotism and national integration. Its 

beautiful words and its lyrical music are infused with the spirit of our 

brave martyrs and freedom fighters, and the noble values and cherished 

principles of our Founding Fathers. 

The centenary of Vande Mataram, is an 

occasion for all of us to pay humble 

homage to the memory of all those who 

fought for India’s freedom, and to the 

brave soldiers who sacrificed their lives 

to defend our Motherland. A hundred 

years from now, may Vande Mataram 

continue to inspire us to new heights of 

patriotism, heroism and service to our 

country.” 

- Sonia Gandhi, President, Indian 

National Congress 

“The only aim of Vande Mataram is to arouse in us a sense of patriotism.” 

– Mahatma Gandhi 

“Vande Mataram song has been intimately associated with Indian 

nationalism. It is obviously and indisputably the premier national 

song of India with a great historical tradition. It was intimately 

connected with our struggle for freedom. Vande Mataram is the 

religion of patriotism.” 

– Jawaharlal Nehru 

“During the freedom struggle, the slogan ‘Vande Mataram’ inspired 

and energized our people to take-up the struggle against the colonial 

power. The slogan in a way gave our people the inspiration and the 

‘I can do it’ spirit and also was synonymous with the spirit of sacrifice 

for the Motherland. The slogan enthused the spirit of patriotism and 

unity among the people and will always remain immortal.” 

– A.P.J. Abdul Kalam 

“Vande Mataram will continue to exercise its powerful appeal on our 

national consciousness for generations to come.” 

– Dr. Manmohan Singh 

18 


Tributes 

Woman Who Unfurled the Flag of India’s 

Independence in 1907 

NEW DELHI: The centenary celebrations of Vande Mataram got 

underway here on September 7, 2005. Tributes were paid to Madame 

Bhikaji Cama who championed the cause of India’s freedom abroad 

while being in constant touch with Dadabhai Nauroji and Shyamji 

Krishna Verma. She also edited ‘Vande Mataram’ to get support for 

the liberation of India from colonial yoke. In the International Socialist 

Congress, the sixth Congress of the Second International, Madame 

Cama took part in the Commission on the colonial problem. Lenin, 

as a Russian delegate, took part in the Anti-Militarist Commission at 

the same Congress. 

Madame Cama spoke at the Congress on September 7, 1907. The 

next day her thundering speech was widely reported in the German 

and French press. Conveying the greetings of the Indian people to 

nearly 1,000 delegates, she described the deteriorating economic 

condition of India and havoc wrought by famine. Condemning the 

British imperialism and emphasizing the agony of the Indian people, 

she appealed to the participants of the conference to cooperate in 

the freedom struggle of the one-fifth of human race inhabiting India. 

While the audience was spellbound by the logic and emotion of her 

speech “with a dramatic gesture, amid thunderous cheers, she 

unfurled a tri-colour” with Vande Mataram inscribed on it. Defiantly, 

she roared: “This flag is of India’s independence. Behold, it is born. 

It is already sanctified by the blood of the martyred India youth. I call 

upon you, gentlemen, to rise and salute the flag of India’s 

independence.” The French papers called her “the High Priestess of 

Nationalism” and alongside her portrait with the flag in her hand 

published the portrait of Joan of Arc. 

The British Government retaliated and blocked the receipt of income 

accruing to Madame Cama from her parental property in India and 

exiled her from British domain. She stayed in dire straits in Europe 

but retained her revolutionary zeal till she suffered a paralytic stroke 

in 1935 and brought to India through the intervention of influential 

Indian leaders. She died in Bombay on August 13, 1936. 

She made Vande Mataram a popular revolutionary slogan of freedom 

movement and a powerful weapon in the struggle for democracy, 

social justice and freedom from poverty. She will always be 

remembered with a sense of gratitude and national pride for her 

heroic role in the freedom struggle and for raising the flag of liberty 

on the foreign land. 

Shri S. Jaipal Reddy, Union Minister of Information & Broadcasting 

and Culture paying glowing tributes to Madame Cama for espousing 

the cause of India’s freedom, said, “Vande Mataram, was the most 

inspiring war-cry in the history of struggle for freedom in the world.” 

Others who spoke were Shri Arjun Sing, Union Minister of HRD, Smt. 

Sheila Dikshit, Chief Minister of Delhi, Shri Digvijay Singh, general 

secretary, AICC and Chairman and Centenary Committee, Shri Shashi 

Bhushan, former MP and convenor of Vande Mataram centenary 

celebration committee and Shri Daljit Sen Adel, president, Freedom 

Movement Memorial Committee. Shri Adel while paying homage to 

Madame Cama said that she was a courageous lady who had a 

clear vision of free India, free from all kinds of exploitation in social, 

economic and political field. Rich tributes were paid to Madame 

Cama by Shri Oscar Fernandes, Union Minister of Programme 

Implementation and Shri R.N. Mirdha, former central minister. 


19

Office - Bearers List 

Himachal Pradesh 

NEW DELHI: The Congress President, Smt. Sonia Gandhi has on 17 

September approved the names of office-bearers, members of the 

Executive Committee of the Himachal Pradesh Congress Committee. 

Following is the list: 

President: Smt. Viplove Thakur (Declared) 

Vice Presidents: 1. Dr. Milkhi Ram Goma, 2. Sh. Yogendra Chandra, 

3. Sh. Mast Ram, 4. Sh. Rajinder Zar, 5. Sh. A.N. Vidharthi, 6. Smt. 

Kunjana Singh. 

General Secretaries: 1. Sh. Harbhajan Singh Bhajji, 2. Sh. Satya 

Parkash Thakur, 3. Sh. Anil Sharma, 4. Sh. Kuldeep Rathore, 5. Sh. 

Kuldeep Singh Pathania, 6. Sh. Ajay Mahajan. 

Treasurer: Sh. Ran Vijay Singh Negi 

Secretaries: 1. Sh. Budhi Singh Thakur, 2. Dr. Kailash Prashar, 3. 

Smt. Manbhari Devi, 4. Sh. Hoshiar Singh, 5. Sh. Arun Sen, 6. Sh. 

Virender Sud, 7. Sh. S.P. Katyal 

Executive Members: 1. Smt. Viplove Thakur, 2. Sh. Virbhadra Singh, 

3. Sh. Kaul Singh Thakur, 4. Sh. Raj Krishan Gaur, 5. Sh. Kuldeep 

Kumar, 6. Sh. Rangila Ram Rao, 7. Sh. Ram Lal Thakur, 8. Sh. Harsh 

Mahajan, 9. Sh. Singhi Ram, 10. Sh. G.S. Bali, 11. Smt. Chandresh 

Kumari, 12. Sh. Vijai Singh Mankotia, 13. Smt. Asha Kumari, 14. Sh. 

B.B. Butail, 15. Sh. Harsh Vardhan, 16. Pt. Shiv Kumar, 17. Sh. Vikram 

Katoch, 18. Sh. Thakur Singh Bharmori, 19. Sh. Sujan Singh Pathania, 

20. Sh. Sukhvinder Singh Sukku, 21. Sh. Punchuk Rai, 22. Smt. 

Sukriti Kumari, 23. Sh. Kush Parmar, 24. Sh. Tek Chand, 25. Sh. 

Mukesh Agnihotri, 26. Sh. Ramnath Sharma, 27. Smt. Arvind Kaur, 

28. Smt. Nirmala Devi, 29. Sh. Joginder Singh, 30. Smt. Satya Parmar, 

31. Sh. Sanjay Rana. 

Permanent Invitees 

Ex-Presidents, PCC 

1. Smt. Vidya Stokes, 2. Smt. Satya Vati Parmar, 3. Sh. Sat Mahajan, 

4. Smt. Sarla Sharma, 5. Sh. Gian Chand Tutu, 6. Sh. K.D. Sultanpuri, 

7. All heads of Frontal Organisations 

Special Invitees: 1. Sh. Anand Sharma, 2. Sh. Chander Kumar, 3. 

Smt. Pratibha Singh, 4. Sh. Dhani Ram Shandal, 5. Pt. Sukh Ram, 6. 

Maj. Krishna Mohini, 7. Sh. S.C. Nayar, 8. Sh. Natha Singh, 9. Smt. 

Shanta Pundir, 10. Smt. Anita Verma, 11. Smt. Gita Negi. 

BIHAR ASSEMBLY ELECTIONS 

PCC 

List of Candidates 

NEW DELHI: Following are the candidates selected by the CEC 

for the ensuing elections to the Bihar Assembly, according to 

AICC general secretary, Smt. Ambika Soni on 28 September. 

(Const. No., Const. Name and Candidate name are in that order) 

2 Bagha (SC) - Narsingh Baitha; 5 Sikta - Khurshid Alam @ 

Feroze; 7 Chunpatia - Vishwa Mohan Sharma; 8 Bettiah - Shamim 

Akhtar; 19 Harsidhi - Harishankar Pd. Singh; 30 Mairwa (SC) - 

Dilip Kumar Manjhi; 34 Raghunathpur – Vijay Shankar Dubey; 

35 Manjhi – Rabindra Misra; 36 Baniapur – Smt. Uma Pandey; 

37 Masrakh – Tarkeshwar Singh; 42 Garkha (SC) – Raghunandan 

Majhi; 52 Vaishali – Smt. Veena Shahi; 67 Sitamarhi – Md. Khalil 

Ansari; 73 Benipatti – Yogeshwar Jha; 74 Bisfi – Md. Ahmar 

Hassan; 89 Darbhanga – Dr. Madan Mohan Jha; 101 Singhia 

(SC) – Dr. Ashok Kumar; 104 Matihani – Abhey Kr. Singh Sarjan; 

107 Bachwara – Ramdeo Rai; 110 Raghopur – Jayawardhan 

Yadav; 111 Kishunpur – Vijay Kumar Gupta; 119 Simri 

Bakhtiarpur – Mahboob Ali Quiser; 130 Araria – Moidur Rahman; 

133 Bahadurganj – Tousif Alam; 134 Thakurganj – Mohd. Javed; 

136 Amour – Abdul Jalil Mastan; 140 Korha (SC) – Smt. Sunita 

Devi; 146 Manihari – Mubaraque Hussain; 148 Colgong – 

Sadanand Singh; 155 Dhoraiya (SC) – Mandareshwar Kumar; 

159 Chakai – Vijay Singh; 164 Chautham – Smt. Rekha Devi; 

173 Sheikhpura – Smt. Sunila Devi; 186 Fatwa (SC) – Sanjeev 

Pd. Tony; 206 Sahar (SC) – Smt. Jyoti; 209 Dinara – K.P. Singh; 

223 Goh – Deo Narayan Yadav; 231 Gaya Mufassil – Awadesh 

Singh; 232 Gaya Town – Sanjay Sahay; 242 Warsaliganj – Smt. 

Aruna Devi; 243 Hisua – Aditya Singh. 10 Raxaul – Sagir Ahmed, 

23 Mirganj – Babuddin, 62 Aurai – Smt. Ugan Tara Devi (w/o Sh. 

Mahachand Singh), 69 Majorganj (SC) – Smt. Lalita Devi (w/o Sh 

Satnarayan Paswan), 150 Bhagalpur – Praven Kumar Singh 

Kushwaha, 164 Chautham – Jai Kirti Singh (in place of Smt. Rekha 

Devi), 183 Mokameh – Gurjit Singh. 59 Muzaffarpur – Smt. Vinita 

Vijay, 167 Monghyr – Shri Dhanraj Singh, 174 Barbigha (SC) – 

Shri Mahabir Chowdhary. 

Alamgir is Jharkhand CLP Leader 

NEW DELHI: The Congress President, Smt. Sonia Gandhi has 

on 5 October, 2005 cleared the name of Shri Alamgir Alam, as 

the Leader of the Congress Legislature Party in Jharkhand 

Assembly with immediate effect, according to AICC general 

secretary, Shri Janardan Dwivedi. 

20 


States Watch 

ANDHRA PRADESH 

Sonia Gandhi Visits Flood-ravaged Areas 

opposition party, the Telugu Desam, from reaching the doubledigit 

figure by restricting its tally to eight. 

Rains, Floods Play Havoc 

VIJAYAWADA: Smt. Sonia Gandhi, accompanied by AICC 

general secretary Shri Digvijay Singh and Union Minister of 

State for Health Smt. Panabaka Lakshmi, arrived at 

Gannavaram airport on 27 September to take stock of the 

flood-ravaged areas of Andhra Pradesh. Chief Minister, Shri 

Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy, APCC president, Shri K. Keshava Rao, 

a few Ministers of the State Cabinet, MPs, MLAs and local 

Congress leaders welcomed her. 

The Chief Minister told her that the total loss in Andhra 

Pradesh was pegged at Rs. 2,500 crores. Smt. Gandhi 

interacted with flood victims and later UPA chairperson flew 

to Kancherla near Kanchikacherla in Krishna district. 

Landslide Win in A.P. municipal elections 

HYDERABAD: The ruling Congress registered a landslide 

victory in the municipal elections held on September 24, 

leaving its main challenger, the Telugu Desam Party, a poor 

second. 

The Congress bagged 1,906 out of 3500 wards and divisions 

against the Telugu Desam Party’s tally of 973. When 

translated roughly into winning margins these numbers mean 

that the Congress candidates will be catapulted to the posts 

of municipal chairperson in around 75 out of 96 

municipalities, TDP in 10, the TRS in two and the CPI(M) in 

one. 

Meanwhile, the ruling Congress party made a clean sweep 

of the mayorship of all the nine municipal corporations and 

won 79 out of 92 municipalities where there was voting. The 

Congress also succeeded in its design to prevent the main 

NEW DELHI: The people of Andhra Pradesh have suffered 

yet another blow after tsunami by way of untimely rains and 

cyclonic floods, resulting in a huge loss of life and property 

amounting to more than Rs. 1,800 crores. This was stated 

here by AICC secretary, Shri P. Sudhakar Reddy, a native of 

Khammam district in Andhra Pradesh. 

Shri Reddy in a memorandum to the Congress President, Smt. 

Sonia Gandhi, said that his native district was worst-affected 

where five people had died alongwith thousands of cattlehead 

which perished in the ravaging floods. The crops like paddy 

and cash crops have been entirely damaged and the extent 

of loss tentatively has been estimated at about Rs. 120 crores. 

Number of villages in 25 Mandals have been totally 

devastated as river Godavari and its tributaries are 

overflowing thereby causing immeasurable loss to both life 

and property. 

Thanksgiving March 

BIHAR 


21

States Watch 

KATIHAR: The Katihar District Youth Congress organized a 

thanksgiving march here on 7 September to thank the UPA 

chairperson, Smt. Sonia Gandhi and Prime Minister, Dr. 

Manmohan Singh for the National Rural Employment 

Guarantee Bill that will give certain employment to rural youth 

and unemployed. 

The march was led by District Youth Congress president, Shri 

Khwaja Shahid who said that this also proves that “Congress 

ka haath, Garib ke Saath”. 

DELHI 

Indira Gandhi Award for Mahasveta Devi 

NEW DELHI: The 20 th Indira Gandhi Award for National 

Integration for the year 2004 has been awarded to Smt. 

Mahasveta Devi, for her contribution for social and economic 

upliftment and sensitizing the society towards communal 

harmony and national integration. Smt. Mahasveta Devi was 

chosen by the Advisory Committee, Indira Gandhi Award for 

National Integration in its meeting presided over by its 

Chairperson, Smt. Sonia Gandhi, the Congress President. The 

Award consists of a citation and a cash amount of Rs. 1.51 

lakh which will be presented by the Chairperson, Smt. Sonia 

Gandhi, to the awardee on 31 st October, 2005, the martyrdom 

day of Smt. Indira Gandhi, in the auditorium of Jawahar 

Bhawan, Dr. Rajendra Prasad Road, New Delhi - 5.00 PM. 

Congress Committed to Dalits: Jai Kishan 

NEW DELHI: The dalit leader and AICC secretary, Shri Jai 

Kishan said on 14 September that the Congress party is the 

only party which cares for dalits and that the dalit community 

should not get carried away by mushrooming power-hungry 

“well-wishers’ of the dalits. 

Shri Jai Kishan said that ugly incidents in Gohana against 

dalits even after 58 years of independence, were very 

unfortunate and shameful but certain so-called leaders, 

political parties and other organizations who are in the grip 

of casteism, communalism and fundamentalism were 

responsible for these shameful acts. 

Shri Jai Kishan said that the Congress president, Smt Sonia 

Gandhi was so-much moved by the Gohana incident that she 

advised the Haryana chief minister to take stern action against 

the culprits and to extend maximum possible assistance to 

the affected dalit families. 

Shri Jai Kishan cautioned the dalit community of the country 

to be aware of so-called dalit well-wishers who were only 

trying to misguide them. 

Vijay Diwas 

HARYANA 

GURGAON (Har): The Kisan Mazdoor Vijay Diwas was 

celebrated under the auspicious of Haryana Pradesh Congress 

Committee, organized by Shri Khazan Singh, secretary, 

Haryana PCC. Chief Minister of Haryana. Ch. Bhupinder 

Singh Hooda was the chief guest. He was honoured by the 

farmers and labourers with a momento ‘Sudarshan Chakra’ 

in the village of Ahirwal, Gurgaon on 23 September. The 

martyrs day was also observed in Haryana on 23 September 

and all war heroes who made supreme sacrifice for the 

freedom of the motherland were honoured in a public meeting. 

Our national heroes Shri Rajiv Gandhi, Smt. Indira Gandhi 

and Mahatma Gandhi were also honoured as martyrs as they 

made supreme sacrifice for the motherland. On this martyrs 

day a road was dedicated to the famous war hero and named 

after martyr Gaud Galam Singh Killorh, founder of Garh’ of 

365 villages of this area of Delhi, Gurgaon, Mewat and Ahirwal 

by the Deputy Commissioner, Gurgaon, Shri. R. P. Bharadwaj, 

IAS. He was the first freedom fighter war hero of this area 

who was hanged till death on a tree publicly by the British 

Government. 

Massive Victory for Deepinder 

CHANDIGARH (Har): Deepinder Singh Hooda, the 27-year- 

22 


States Watch 

old US-returned son of Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder 

Singh Hooda, made history of sorts on 1 st October by winning 

the prestigious Lok Sabha by-election from Rohtak with a 

massive margin of 2,31,958 votes. He trounced his nearest 

BJP rival, Abhimanyu, while Indian National Lok Dal candidate 

Balwan Singh Suhag, who finished third, lost his security 

deposit. 

Deepinder polled 3,55,138 votes against 1,22,999 polled by 

Capt. Abhimanyu. There were a total of 15 candidates in the 

race, including eight independents. 

JAMMU & KASHMIR 

Gandhi Jayanti Celebrated 

JAMMU: Like other parts of the country, 136 th birth 

anniversary of father of nation Mahatma Gandhi was 

JHARKHAND 

Congressmen Visit Bhelwa Ghati Victims 

JAMSHEDPUR: The mass massacre at village Bhelwa ghati 

in Giridih district by extremists has once again underlined 

the failure of law and order system in the NDA-ruled 

Jharkhand government. 

The Congress party visited the Bhelwa ghati area on 16 

September and gave financial assistance to the affected 

families. CWC member and party incharge in Jharkhand, Shri 

Harikesh Bahadur led the Congress delegation which included 

Jharkhand PCC president, Shri P.K. Balmuchu, Shri Rajesh 

Kumar Shukla and Shri Tilakdhari Singh and other local 

Congressmen. The people of the area and the minority 

community were very grateful to the Congress gesture and 

have expectations for more in the future. Shri Harikesh 

Bahadur also visited the Harijan Mohalla and gave them all 

possible assistance. In the case of Bhelwa Ghati massacre, 

most of the dead were from minority community. 

Dharna by NSUI 

KARNATAKA 

BANGALORE: The Bangalore Urban District unit of the NSUI, 

led by its president, Shri Lokesh V. Nayak staged a dharna 

here on 21 September to demand basic amenities for the 

celebrated in J&K also. Sadhbhavana-ke-sipahi (SKS) 

movement organized the functions throughout the length and 

breadth of the state. On the auspicious day on 2 nd October, 

the main function was organized at Dewan-e-aam, Mubarak- 

Mandi, Jammu where thousands of followers of Gandhiji 

including ministers, legislatures, bureaucrats, teachers, 

advocates, engineers, doctors, prominent citizens, 

representatives of NGOs, universities, colleges and schools, 

Gandhian societies, trade unions, farmers and mazdoor 

unions, commerce and industries including students 

participated. 

Shri Yashpal Kundal, J&K Minister was the chief guest and 

Shri S.P. Verma, State Coordinator, SKS, presided over the 

function. 

students of all government colleges in Anekal constituency 

of Bangalore Urban District. Alongwith, the NSUI Bangalore 

unit, all others who participated included the NSUI officebearers 

and Anekal Block president and students. 


23

States Watch 

MAHARASHTRA 

BGF Panel Sweep Senate Elections 

MUMBAI: The Bombay Graduate Forum, a Congress 

sponsored panel, swept the election to the Senate of Mumbai 

University held on 21 August. Shri Amarjit Singh Manhas, 

treasurer, Mumbai Congress won this election for the fourth 

consecutive term of five years had led the Bombay Graduate 

Forum panel which won five seats from the registered 

graduates constituency of Mumbai University. There were 

54 polling stations situated in Mumbai, Navi Mumbai, Thane, 

Raigad, Ratnagiri and Sindhudurg districts. 

PUNJAB 

Provide Cheaper Health Facilities to Poor 

LUDHIANA: Prime Minister, Dr. Singh was addressing a 

gathering here on 23 September after inauguration of the 

Satguru Pratap Singh Apollo Hospital, established in the 

corporate sector. He said, presently medical facilities in our 

country is too costly, which is affecting adversely the poor 

people. They are deprived of better health facilities. 

Prime Minister said that it is a good trend that hospitals are 

being established in the corporate sector, but it will be more 

beneficial when poor sections of the society are given medical 

attention. The present trend is only beneficial to the rich, Dr. 

Singh said. 

He appealed the religious and social organizations to come 

forward to prevent the trend of foeticide. Prime Minister 

announced that the Central Government has initiated Rural 

Health Mission, which is beneficial to poor, women and 

children. He also announced that Central Government has 

approved Rs. 911 crore schedule for better infrastructural 

facilities in Punjab. 

Shri H.S. Hanspal, former PCC president, read out the 

message of UPA Chairperson and President of Congress Party, 

Smt. Sonia Gandhi for the occasion congratulating for the 

establishment of this hospital. Chairman of Apollo Hospital 

Group Dr. P.C. Reddy, Smt. Rajender Kaur Bhattal, PCC 

president, Shri Shamsher Singh Dullo and other prominent 

persons were also present. 

Party Workers Should Emulate Party 

President 

RAJASTHAN 

RAJASAMAND (RAJASTHAN): Shri Praveen Davar, 

secretary, AICC, and in-charge, Rajasthan has advised the 

Congress workers to learn lesson from the Party President, 

Smt. Sonia Gandhi, who sacrificed the prime post of Prime 

Ministership and preferred to serve the organization. 

Shri Davar was addressing the party workers on September 

30, called upon the workers to work honestly for 

strengthening the organization. 

PCC president, Shri Narayan Singh Bhati assured that they 

would try whole-heartedly to win the ensuing municipal 

elections. Senior vice-president Shri Pradeep Paliwal urged 

the workers to shed their differences and work hard to win 

the ensuing elections. 

Shri Davar also addressed the meeting of minority cell. He 

also addressed the Congress Sevadal Training Camp on 

September 14 and threw light on the history of Congress 

Party. Former deputy chief minister, Dr. Kamla and other 

leaders also addressed the camp. 

UTTAR PRADESH 

Rajivji Known for Clean Image, Honesty 

ALLAHABAD: Rich and glowing tributes were paid to Bharat 

Ratna and former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi on his 61 st 

birth anniversary, observed as Sadbhavana Divas, by the local 

partymen. On this occasion CLP leader Pramod Tiwari paid 

tributes to the departed leader. Shri Tiwari said that Rajivji 

24 


States Watch 

Kishore Varshney. Later Shri Tiwari administered the oath of 

Sadbhavana Diwas to the Congressmen who were present 

on the occasion. 

Haryana, Chhattisgarh 

PCC Chiefs Named 

was known for his honesty and commitment to cleanliness in 

public life. His mission was to take India into the 21 st century 

as a developed and powerful nation. Shri Tiwari said that 

today the importance of Rajiv Gandhi’s vision is acceptable 

to all as the 21 st century was proving to be the revolutionary 

age of information technology. 

The meeting was conducted by UPCC spokesman, Shri 

NEW DELHI: Following names have been cleared by the 

Congress President, Smt. Sonia Gandhi on October 11 for 

Haryana and Chhattisgarh Pradesh Congress Committees: 

Haryana PCC: President: Shri Bhajan Lal and Working 

President: Dr. Ram Prakash. 

Chhattisgarh PCC: Sh. Charan Das Mahant, presently 

working president, will function as Acting President in 

place of Shri Motilal Vora till further decision, according 

to AICC general secretary, Shri Janardan Dwivedi. 

ADVT 


25

Centenary Celebrations 

‘Shastriji – Great Patriot’ 

NEW DELHI: Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh, has said 

that centenary celebrations must be viewed as occasions to think 

about the relevance of the past, for our present and for the making 

of a bright future. Speaking at the concluding function of the Lal 

Bahadur Shastri Birth Centenary Celebrations, here on 4 October, 

Dr. Manmohan Singh said, “we must make all effort necessary to 

record the contribution of our great leaders to the processes of 

undertaken to recall Shastriji’s contribution to our national life. 

I am delighted that this year we opened the Lal Bahadur Shastri 

Memorial and a library was set up, in New Delhi. Doordarshan 

produced a lively docu-drama on his life. A national award was 

instituted in Shastriji’s name. A Chair has been created in 

Shastriji’s name in the field of democracy and governance in Delhi 

University. Several State Governments have also organized a variety 

of programmes to honour and cherish his memory. I think it is a 

befitting finale to those year-long celebrations, that we are today 

releasing commemorative coins in Shastriji’s honour. 

The Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh releasing commemorative coins 

in the memory of late Prime Minister Shri Lal Bahadur Shastri in New 

Delhi on 4th October. 

nation building, not just as a record of historical fact, but to inspire 

our future generations”. 

The Prime Minister recalled the contribution made by Lal Bahadur 

Shastriji to our agricultural development and Green Revolution. 

He said that leaders like Shastriji “inspire us to take forward to 

build a strong India, a caring and inclusive India, a modern and 

forward-looking India, an India that will once again regain its 

pride of place in the comity of nations”. 

The Prime Minister released a set of commemorative coins on 

the occasion. Union Home Minister, Shri Shivraj Patil, Union 

Finance Minister, Shri P. Chidambaram, Union Minister for 

Information & Broadcasting, Shri Jaipal Reddy, former Prime 

Minister, Shri I.K. Gujaral, Shri Anil Shastri and Shri Sunil Shastri 

were among those present on the occasion. 

The Prime Minister said, “I am indeed very happy to be once 

again amongst you, at the end of an eventful year, during which 

our nation paid its solemn tribute to the memory of late Lal 

Bahadur Shastriji. A wide variety of programmes has been 

RANGBHOOMI ENACTED 

‘Rangbhoomi’, a play based on the novel by Munshi Prem 

Chand, was held at Mavlankar Hall, New Delhi on 1st October. 

The play was enacted by Rangsapthak Group of Delhi. The 

play brought about the conclusion of Lal Bahadur Shastri’s 

Centenary Celebrations organised by the LB Shastri Birth 

Centenary Committee of the AICC. 

The Congress President, Smt. Sonia Gandhi lighting the lamp to 

inaugurate the ‘Rangabhoomi’ play to mark the conclusion of Lal Bahadur 

Shastri Centenary Celebrations at the Mavlankar Hall, New Delhi on 1 st 

October. 

The Congress President, Smt. Sonia Gandhi, Prime Minister, 

Dr. Manmohan singh, DPCC president, Shri Ram Babu 

Sharma, AICC general secretary, Shri Janardan Dwivedi, Shri 

Ashok Gehlot, Shri Anil Shastri, Special Invitee, CWC were 

prominently present among the guests. Shri Nirmal Khatri, 

AICC secretary, was the convenor of the function. 

26 


Centenary Celebrations 

‘SHASTRI, AS I KNEW HIM’ 

HYDERABAD: A man of strong principles, former Prime Minister 

Lal Bahadur Shastri refused to bend the rules for anyone, not 

even Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru. Shastri was such a stickler for 

rules that he insisted Pandit Nehru cough up customs duty on a 

Volkswagon that his younger sister Krishna Hutheesing had 

imported. Naturally, Nehru obliged. 

This is one of the few anecdotes recalled by eminent columnist 

and former diplomat Kuldip Nayyar, who also served as Shastri’s 

press secretary between 1962 and 1966. Nayyar was in the city 

to speak on the subject “Lal Bahadur Shastri, as I knew him,” at 

the Lal Bahadur Shastri centenary celebrations on 28 September. 

Mr. Nayyar said Hutheesing had been gifted a Volkswagen car by 

the company as a goodwill gesture. The vehicle, however, was 

held up at the customs and Hutheesing was asked to pay the 

duty. Shastri was apprised of the matter when customs officials 

realized that she was the Prime Minister’s sister. 

“Shastriji put his foot down and insisted that Hutheesing had to 

pay the duty. The matter went to Pandit Nehru, who agreed to 

pay the customs duty from his own pocket,” Mr. Nayyar said. 

Recounting another example of Shastri’s integrity, he said that 

the second Prime Minister of India had become a victim of 

Kamaraj’s plan of dropping Nehru’s critics from the Cabinet after 

India lost the war against China in 1962. 

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister, Shri Y.S. Rajasekhar Reddy 

announced on 28 September, 2005, that his government would 

name an irrigation project or an airport after the former Prime 

Minister. Former Union minister and Shastri’s son Anil was also 

present on the occasion. 

Country needs people like Shastriji 

ALLAHABAD: Today we are more in need of personalities like Lal 

Bahadur Shastri in our country as people are unhappy with politicians 

and their deeds.” These views were expressed by Editor-in-Chief of 

Hindi magazine ‘Outlook’, Shri Alok Mehta during the inaugural 

function of the birth centenary celebrations of Lal Bahadur Shastri 

here at the KP Community Hall, on 23 July. 

The chief guest of the function, Union Minister for Small Scale 

Industries, Shri Mahavir Prasad, said that Shastriji’s dream was that 

the country may-have a common language. He said that there was 

need to generate employment schemes through ‘Charkha’. It could 

provide ample opportunities in the rural sector. “This was the dream 

of Shastriji and we need to fulfill it,” said Shri Prasad. 

Similar views were expressed by Member of Rajya Sabha and 

vice-president of Gandhi Memorial Institute, Nirmala Deshpande, 

who said that the slogan of “Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan” refers to the 

importance of a common man. Among others who expressed 

their views were AICC Secretary, Major Ved Prakash, Shri Vibhakar 

Shastri, grandson of Shastriji, Shri Nirmal Khatri, national 

convenor of the function, Dr. Rita Bahaguna Joshi, Satya Prakash 

Malviya, Ch. Jitendra Nath Singh, Local convenor, Kishore 

Varshney, UPCC spokesman and DCC president, Ashok Bajpayee 

and many others. 

Lal Bahadur Shastri National Award 

for retired IAS officer 

Honour for contribution to maritime exploration, 

excellence in administration 

NEW DELHI: President APJ Abdul Kalam on 1 October presented 

the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Award to retired IAS officer 

Chandrika Prasad Srivastava for his contribution in the field of 

maritime exploration and excellence in public administration, 

academics and management. 

The President of India, Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam greeting Shri Chandrika Prasad 

Srivastava, who was awarded the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Award at 

the Rashtrapati Bhawan on 1 st October. Also seen are Prime Minister, Dr. 

Manmohan Singh and CWC Special Invitee, Shri Anil Shastri, son of late Lal 

Bahadur Shastri. 

Mr. Srivastava is the founding Chancellor Emeritus of the World 

Maritime University, Malmo, Sweden. He has also been the 

chairman of the governing board of the IMO International Maritime 

Law Institute, Malta, and chairman of the Government of India 

Committee on Maritime Education and Training. 


27

Tributes 

Tributes to Mahatma, Lal Bahadur Shastri 

DEHRADUN: Under the auspices of the City Congress 

Committee, the Congressmen paid tributes to both Mahatma 

Gandhi and former Prime Minister, Shri Lal Bahadur Shastri 

whose birth anniversary falls on 2 nd October. The function 

was organized at the Congress headquarters here and was 

led in paying tributes by City Congress president and the State 

Khadi Gramodyog Board vice-president, Shri Lal Chand 

Sharma. 

Shri Sharma said that Shastriji in his short span had done 

much to bring honour to the country in the world. Shri Sharma 

said that today poverty, unemployment and corruption is 

eating upon our economy. Moreover, the few people are 

taking our country towards doom by their hollow slogans and 

by inciting the feelings of the people. We have to be cautious 

and careful of such people who are poisoning the minds of 

the people only to grab power by playing on to the communal 

card. 

Also present were Shri Ashok Verma, Chainika Uniyal, Anil 

Negi, Piyush Gaud, Shravan Kumar Rajoria, Anshuman 

Bannerjee, Manjit Arora, Tikaram Pandey, Santosh Joshi, 

Mohan Joshi, Sanyogita Rani, Radha Chauhan, Sundary Devi, 

Shyama Shahi, Rekha Kanojia and Sushma Pradhan. 

HYDERABAD: The Congressmen here paid tributes the 

Mahatma Gandhi on his birth anniversary here on 2 nd October. 

NSUI general secretary, Shri Anil Kumar Yadav, Shri 

Lagadapati Raj Gopal, MP from Vijaywada, Shri Dallu 

Satyanarayana and Shri Vikas Srivastav paid floral tributes 

to the father of the nation. 

ABHOR: The Youth Congress workers paid tributes to 

Mahatma Gandhi and former Prime Minister, Shri Lal Bahadur 

Shastri on their birth anniversary on 2 nd October at the Dera 

Baba Naga, Azimgarh. Punjab Pradesh Youth Congress 

secretary, Shri Mangat Ram Chaial was the chief guest. Shri 

Chaial said that the dalits are grateful to the Mahatma and 

Shastriji, who by their simple living, had showed the world to 

live in simplicity and who cared for the welfare of the poor 

and the dalits. 

Also present were Shri Rajendra Kumar Chauhan, Mohan Lal 

Kala Tibba, Bhajan Lal, Vinod Malkat, Mahipal Kashyap, 

Balram Niroria, Vikram Takasiya, Mahender Barber, Sonee 

Barber, Deepak, Daulat Ram, Surendra, Mukesh, Om Prakash, 

Dharamvir, Babloo, Satpal, Sonee, Jaswant, Sandeep, Raj 

Kumar and others. 

Tributes to Scindia 

VARANASI: The City Sonia Gandhi Brigade paid tributes to 

Shri Madhavrao Scindia at the Rameshwari Goyal Girls 

School at Ramapura here on 30 September. Shri Arun Yadav 

was the chief guest while Brigade’s president, Shri Pramod 

Verma presided over the function. 

Others who paid tributes included Shri Ganesh Shanker 

Pandey, Ashok Sharma, Ram Prakash Ojha, Rajendra Gupta, 

Shakeel Ahmad Jaiger, Veena Pandey, Shailendra Malviya 

with others. 

28 


Report 

Mahila Congress 

Due to natural and other disasters, like the floods in Eastern 

UP and Bihar, and the break of epidemic in U.P. which killed 

thousands of children, the Mahila Congress had to be very 

active in relief work. The 

UP Mahila Congress 

distributed free 

medicines clothes and 

blankets in various 

camps at Mau, 

Haldharpur, Bhursuri, 

Azmatgarh, Haraiyya 

(Azamgarh), Deoria, 

Gorakhpur, for about 15 

days. An ambulance from 

the Zakir Hussain 

Memorial Center was also organized for Mau. The PMC Pres. 

Dr.Sudha Rai attended a seminar on incephelytis organized 

by a doctors’ organization at Gorakhpur, and sought help for 

the area. Late reports from Mumbai inform of Langars / 

distribution of food packets at Powai, Dadar, Bhandup, Vikroli, 

Kanjur, etc. Free medicines and check-up facilities were 

provided in medical camps at Bandra, Vakola-Santacruz, 

Kanjur, Tulshedpada, Prabhat Colony, etc. Note books, 

household items and sarees were also distributed 

As per the AIMC Pres. Dr.Rita Bahuguna Joshi’s instructions, 

in all states Dhanyavad rallies and Sabhas were organized 

regarding the passage of the Rural Rozgar Guarantee Bill and 

the Hindu Women’s Property Rights Bill. 

The Orissa PMC demonstrated at Bhubaneshwar with a large 

procession and rally against the State govt.’s decision to open 

2,000 new liquour shops. The UP PMC demonstrated in al 

district headquarters simultaneously ( Sep. 21 st ) against the 

inert and callous attitude of the UP CM regarding the spread 

of epidemic. The Lucknow city Mahila Congress Pres. 

organized a Dharna on Sep.12 th protesting against breaking 

of residences of 60 poor families whose names are in the 

voters’list of the area, and demanding allotment of alternative 

land to them. Dr. Jaya Shukla took a act-finding committee 

in Lucknow where a 6 yr. Old girl was raped and needed 

urgent surgery. The AIMC Pres. has taken-up the case and is 

organizing help. 

The Delhi PMC 

organized treeplantation 

in some 

areas, had an anti 

female-foeticide 

awareness meeting and 

had Saksharata meetings. 

Due to Corporation 

elections in Ahmadabad, 

Dr. Sushama Yadav (AIMC 

state-incharge) addressed 

several meetings in various 

wards. Mrs. Margaret Alva, upon her receiving the Nelson Mandela 

Minority Women Empowerment Award, was felicitated amid much 

jubilation by the Goa PMC. 

Both in UP and Uttaranchal new PMC Presidents have been appointed 

who are continuously touring all districts of their states and organizing 

Mahila meetings. Reports have come in of large meetings, with 

women from BSP, BJP and SP joining our ranks. Sashaktikaran 

meetings at Chandauli and Varanasi were addressed by Dr. Jaya 

Shukla and Mrs.Manju Hembrum respectively (AIMC incharges for 

the state). 

- Dr. Jaya Shukla 

Tributes to Bhikaji Cama 

JAMSHEDPUR: The Congressmen here celebrated the 

‘Vande Mataram’ centenary on 7 September at the Old 

Court campus, presided over by AICC member, Shri Rajesh 

Kumar Shukla. The party workers paid tributes to Madame 

Bhikaji Cama for raising the Indian flag of freedom in 

Germany. 

Also present were Shri Satendra Narain Singh, Basant Kumar 

Mishra, Basant Kumar Sharma, Rajendra Rajak, Shyam Charan 

Yadav, John Rodriguese, Dr. N.N. Mahato, Chandrashekhar 

Mandal with many other Congressmen. 


29

Diary 

AICC 

INSENSITIVE STAND 

5.09.2005: Shri Anand Sharma addressed the media. 

Shri Anand Sharma said that there are reports in newspapers 

and that preparation are on for a major event and festivities 

on the 7 th of September 2005 coinciding with the visit of the 

former US President Bill Clinton. Reports indicate that the 

government has pulled out all stock for a lavish party to which 

invitees will be coming for all over the country. We have no 

objection to former US President Bill Clinton going to any 

state, participating in any function or even for the concerned 

state government to host the party that whether the festivities 

are in order in this case, it is pertinent to point out and draw 

your attention to the fact that large number of children have 

died in UP due to the Japanies encephalitis which has fast 

spread from eastern UP now to major parts of the state. Not 

a single day has passed when children have not died and in 

this backdrop when tragedy has struck thousand of families, 

these festivities and lavish party should be postponed. Any 

government which is sensitive and serious would avoid 

celebration or festivities. 

EVENTFUL DAY FOR CP 


Shri Anand Sharma said that this is a day full of various 

events, the Indo-EU summit is taking place and which is 

important, the British Prime Minister is meeting the Congress 

President later this evening. There are two other important 

meetings, one with Ram Vilas Paswanji and his party is a 

member of the UPA and it is a continuation of the Congress 

effort to bring about some understanding among like-minded 

parties for the forthcoming Bihar Assembly Elections so that 

through that understanding the BJP and the NDA are defeated 

through a joint effort. Shri Sharma said that the second 

meeting of the Congress President is with the Hurriyat 

Conference delegation which has come to Delhi to meet the 

Prime Minister. So it has been a positive forward movement, 

a positive development and it underscores our long-held and 

consistent view that all those who are willing to participate 

in negotiations to resolve all problems concerning Jammu & 

Kashmir should be involved. The Congress President has 

always taken a very special and keen interest in matters 

pertaining to the state of Jammu & Kashmir and this you can 

say is a subject close to her heart like it was always something 

special for Shri Rajiv Gandhi and Smt. Indira Gandhi. Smt. 

Gandhi has played a meaningful and positive role during the 

last assembly election and in urging all concerned to work 

for the restoration of peace and normalcy in the state. 

BJP ANTICS 

9.09.2005: Shri Abhishek Singhvi addressed the media. 

Shri Abhishek Singhvi said that seeing the recent antics in 

the BJP and the Parivar one feels that one is seeing a 

powerless entity locked into a power struggle. You have seen 

and heard historically of volcanoes erupting frequently and 

sometimes causing no harm and we have many historical 

examples including Mount Vesuvius but the BJP seems to be 

a party constantly on the boil. We are in fact envious and 

jealous of the BJP in one way because it always finds a reason 

to be in the news even if for a wrong reason. Sometimes 

they want a change in their president, sometimes they find 

Jinnha suddenly secular, sometimes candid camera catches 

them indulging in acquisitions and cross-acquisitions but the 

net result of all this is that the BJP has failed to provide for a 

responsible Opposition and any constructive role in the Indian 

political system. 

ON VOTE-BANK POLITICS 


Shri Anand Sharma said that Shri Advaniji has come out with 

a political statement after a long gap. One can understand 

his predicament and compulsions and current dilemma. It is 

in fact reflection on the pathetic state of affairs in the BJP, 

the principle Opposition party, whose president after a long 

silence has supposedly come out with a statement which the 

Opposition should be making long after the repeal of Pota. 

We completely reject his charge that Pota has been repealed 

because of vote-bank politics of the Congress. 

When Pota was in place terrorism had assumed very serious 

dimensions in this country and Pota could not prevent the 

dastardly attacks on the Parliament of this country, on the 

Red Fort, on Akshardham Temple and Advaniji happened to 

be the then Home Minister and the Deputy Prime Minister. 

Its repeal has not in any way undermined the authority or the 

ability of the Indian state to confront terrorism because there 

30 


Diary 

is enough legislation in this country which is more than 

sufficient to deal with the issue of terrorism or terrorist– 

related crimes. 

CONCERN OVER EPIDEMIC 

14.09.2005: Smt. Jayanti Natarajan addressed the 

media. 

Smt. Jayanti Natarajan said that we express grave concern 

felt by the Congress party and by all the people of the country 

over the continuing epidemic of encephalitis in the state of 

Uttar Pradesh. That encephalitis is attacking the most 

vulnerable section of the population and a large number of 

children are dying every day due to an uncontrolled epidemic 

is something that the nation finds difficult to condone. What 

is of utmost importance and what requires urgent steps is 

that if the situation is not contained immediately. The 

epidemic will spread wildly. Encephalitis which had been 

building up for quite some time was completely ignored by 

the government of Uttar Pradesh and it was only after 

Congress President, Smt. Sonia Gandhi and the MP of Amethi, 

Shri Rahul Gandhi visited the children and focused the 

attention of the government, that the focus was drawn to 

this important issue. 

EXISTANTIALIST DILEMMA 

16.09.2005: Shri Abhishek Singhvi addressed the 

media. 

Shri Singhvi said that as the BJP starts on yet another 

executive committee meeting, we see it facing an 

existantialist dilemma. “To be or not to be is the question” 

both before the party and that party’s president. As the BJP 

lurches from soap opera to higher melodrama, from Uma 

Bharati to Khurana and back to Bangaru Laxman. The 

discordance on Gujarat turns into a cacophony and yet 

nothing is done. No issues of governance are addressed by 

the BJP. Their galaxy of dissidence is ever-growing and 

becoming more distinguished even than their party officebearers 

because in that galaxy we have former finance 

minister and former foreign minister, Shri Yeshwant Sinha, 

former chief minister, Ms. Uma Bharati, former party 

president, Mr. Bangaru Laxman, former Governor, chief 

minister and party vice-president, Mr. Madan Lal Khurana, 

former Law Minister, Mr. Jana Krishnamoorthy and so on and 

so forth. 

PM’S SUCCESSFUL VISIT 


media. 

Smt. Natarajan said that the Congress party would like to 

express great satisfaction and pride in the successful visit 

of the Prime Minister to France and to United States. The 

Prime Minister addressed the United Nations on the occasion 

of its 60 th anniversary and he has held the flag of India high 

and performed admirably. We are very proud of the fact that 

India has contributed to and participated in the United 

Nation’s Fund for Democracy which aims at restoring 

democracy in areas and countries which ask for assistance 

from the United Nations. We are very proud of the fact that 

India has contributed ten million US dollars to the coffers of 

this fund. 

LJP’S DECISION REGRETTED 

23.09.2005: Shri Abhishek Singhvi addressed the 

media. 

Shri Singhvi said that we regret that the LJP has decided to 

follow its own separate path. We believe that where the 

secular vote is likely to be divided, Ekla Chalo is neither 

desirable nor a principled stand. We reiterate our call to all 

secular forces to unite to defeat the NDA alliance. While we 

believe our secular alliance is surging forward on the path to 

victory, we find that even before the elections, a fight for 

spoils has broken out between the principal constituent of 

the NDA, namely the JDU and the BJP. We believe that they 

reflect a divided house and the divisions of the NDA alliance 

fighting the Bihar elections are as deep as the divisions which 

wither their individual constituent units, namely the BJP and 

JDU. 

INDIRA GANDHI AWARD 


media. 

Smt. Jayanti Natarajan said while making an announcement 

that the Indira Gandhi Award for National Integration for 2004 

has been awarded to Smt. Mahasveta Devi for her contribution 

for social and economic upliftment and sensitizing the society 

towards communal harmony and national integration. She will 

be given the award by the UPA chairperson Smt. Sonia Gandhi 

on 31 st October, the martyrdom day of Smt. Indira Gandhi, at 

Jawahar Bhawan in New Delhi. 

- Tom Vadakkan, 

AICC Secretary 


31

Photofile 

1 2 

3 4 

5 6 

7 

1. The Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh visited the hospital at Srinagar to enquire 

about the well-being of thousand affected by the earthquake on 11th October, 2005 

2. Delhi Chief Minister, Smt. Sheila Dikshit paying tributes to Lal Bahadur Shastri at the 

FICCI Auditorium on 1st October. The function was organized by the DPCC. Also seen 

are DPCC president, Shri Ram Babu Sharma, AICC general secretary, Shri Janardan 

Dwivedi, Outer Delhi MP, Shri Sajjan Kumar, AICC secretary, Shri Nirmal Khatri and 

CWC Special Invitee, Shri Anil Shastri. 

3. Mumbai City Congress president, Shri Gurudas Kamat (MP), Maharashtra Chief Minister, 

Shri Vilasrao Deshmukh and Mumbai Congress treasurer, Shri Amarjit Singh Manhas 

with NSUI candidates who sweeped the Students’ Council of Mumbai University on 15 

September. 

4. Chhattisgarh Congress Committee Handicap Cell president, Shri Mahender Kochar 

distributing stationery items on Gandhi Jayanti day. 

5. Mahila Congress workers, led by its vice-president, Maj. Mohini pay floral tributes to 

Mahatma Gandhi at Solan on 2nd October. 

6. Dehradun City Congress activist burning the effigy of BJP for their anti-state activities. 

7. AICC secretary, Shri Sudhakar Reddy handing over a memorandum on the flood-ravaged 

state of Andhra Pradesh to the Congress President, Smt. Sonia Gandhi at her residence 

in New Delhi. 

32

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