New Delhi, November 29: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Congress president Sonia Gandhi Tuesday addressed the valedictory function of the Indian Youth Congress (IYC) conclave, held here under the leadership of Rahul Gandhi, and reiterated that an effective Lokpal bill will be brought soon.
The prime minister used the occasion to strongly defend the cabinet decision to allow FDI in retail and ruled out a roll back.
The conclave, called Buniyaad or foundation, is the biggest organisational convention since Rahul Gandhi took over as party general secretary in charge of the youth wing four years ago.
Addressing the young Congress leaders at the Japanese Park in Rohini in north-west Delhi, the prime minister said the government will bring several laws to prevent corruption and make governance effective. ‘These include legislations for Lokpal, Citizens’ Grievance Redressal and Public Procurement.’
Sonia Gandhi said she hoped the opposition will support the government in passing the legislations.
‘Together with an effective Lokpal bill, the government is working on a variety of legislations which will systematically fight corruption. I hope the opposition will support us in passing these important measures,’ she said in her nine-minute speech — the first public speech after her surgery abroad for an undisclosed illness in August.
Political circles interpret the joint appearance of Manmohan Singh, Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi – described as the Congress Trinity – as a move to send a message that the Congress, the government and the top leaders are united and firm on policies and functioning.
‘The function spoke for itself. It dispelled several apprehensions and speculations triggered by rumours by our rivals. The response of the youth shows the rejuvenation of the party on the eve of the assembly polls in five states,’ Congress leader Mohan Prakash told IANS at the venue.
Ruling out roll back on FDI, the prime minister said: ‘We have not taken this decision (on FDI) in haste. It is our firm conviction that the decision will benefit our country,’ Manmohan Singh said, evoking applause from Rahul Gandhi and the 7,000 youth drawn from various parts of the country, several union ministers and party leaders.
Rahul Gandhi invoked the name and philosophy of Mahatma Gandhi often in his speech and told the newly-elected IYC leaders: ‘Test your ideas. Challenge your thoughts. Create mutinies within yourselves and others around you.’
Sonia Gandhi said the government was committed to eradicating corruption. ‘In the last few months, there has been much talk about corruption. Corruption is indeed a plague of public life and we are committed to eradicate it. Our actions have shown this. The Right to Information (RTI), which our government brought in, places in hands of the people a powerful weapon against corruption,’ she said.
Manmohan Singh said he was confident that FDI in India’s retail sector would benefit all as ‘this will bring modern technology to the country, improve rural infrastructure, reduce wastage of agricultural produce and enable our farmers to get better prices for their crops… consumers will get commodities of daily use at reduced prices.’
The recent cabinet decision on FDI in retail has triggered protests by opposition and key allies of the ruling United Progressive Alliance (UPA), who are demanding a roll back of the policy.
The decision has led to a deadlock in parliament with opponents claiming that it would adversely affect small traders and farmers and eat up jobs in the country.
But the prime minister sounded firm about the decision in his 27-minute speech in Hindi. He also criticised the disruption of parliament by the opposition.
Around 11 million members have been enrolled in the IYC and elections to 21 states have been completed.
Political observers see the two-day convention as part of the moves preparing Rahul Gandhi to assume a major role in the party to help his mother. The delegates stayed at the tents put up at the park ‘adhering to discipline and dedication’, IYC chief Rajeev Satav said.
Political observers view Buniyaad as a show of Gandhi’s four-year work as in-charge of the youth wing, during which the IYC membership crossed 10 million. The identity details of all the members have been documented with photograph, age proof and other information.
‘I would like to invite the youth of India to take the reins of the Youth Congress and guide the destiny of our nation,’ Rahul Gandhi said while concluding his speech.
—-IANS—-