Congress Leader Sonia Gandhi
Congress leader Sonia Gandhi has alluded to her retirement from her political journey. She said that she was happy that her “innings could conclude with the Bharat Jodo Yatra.”
‘Concluding my innings with Bharat Jodo Yatra’ Sonia Gandhi
While addressing almost 15,00 delegates on the second day of the Congress 85th plenary session in Chhattisgarh’s capital Raipur, Sonia Gandhi said, What gratifies me most, is that my innings could conclude with the Bharat Jodo Yatra. The Yatra has come as a turning point. It has proved that the people of India overwhelmingly want harmony, tolerance and equality.”
The 76-year-old former Congress chief also said, “It has renewed the rich legacy of dialogue between our party and the people through mass contact programmes. It has shown us all that the Congress stands with the people and is ready to fight for them.”
Sonia congratulated party workers, especially Rahul
Taking notes from the success of the Yatra, Ms Gandhi said, “I congratulate all party workers who have worked hard for the Yatra… I especially thank Rahul ji, whose determination and leadership were crucial in the Yatra’s success.”
Despite giving a hint of her retirement, the veteran Congress leader has left people guessing whether she would run for parliament again from Uttar Pradesh’s Raebareli or leave the seat for her daughter Priyanka Gandhi Vadra in the upcoming Lok Sabha polls.
Ms Gandhi has also called the current period as a ‘particularly challenging time’ for the Congress and the country, she said, “Prime Minister Modi and the BJP-RSS (Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh) regime has relentlessly captured and subverted every single institution.”
Slamming the BJP government over supporting favouritism, she said, “It ruthlessly silenced any voice of opposition. It has caused economic ruin by favouring a few chosen businessmen at the expense of all others. And most distressingly, it fuels the fires of fear and hatred against fellow Indians.”
She added, “It targeted minorities and ignored crimes and discrimination against them, against women, against Dalits, and against Adivasis. It mocked Gandhi ji and through its words and actions shows contempt for our values and our constitution.”
‘We are the vehicle for the people of India’
While rallying with the party workers, she said that today’s situation reminded her of the time when she entered politics.
Further, she said, “Then, as now, we faced a difficult struggle ahead. And at this crucial time, each one of us bears a special responsibility towards our party and the country.”
“The Congress is not just a political party. We are the vehicle through which the people of India fight for liberty, equality, fraternity and justice for all… The path ahead is not easy, but my experience tells me victory will be ours,” the veteran Congress leader added.
