Sonia Gandhi asks Congressmen to win back people's faith

Congress President Sonia Gandhi asked party workers to come together to work in unity and discipline to win back people’s faith in government. While speaking at the Congress’ chintan shivir on the last day in Jaipur, she also said that if the party members work as a unit and take the correct path the party could come back to power again at the centre.

Sonia Gandhi  targeted youth, women and middle class in her address and also said that it was time to look inwards and reflect on the party and its principles. Sonia Gandhi admitted that there was a pressing need to win back people’s faith in the government, thereby acknowledging the growing public dissent that the party is up against. “We have to win back people’s faith and keep reinventing our policies,” said Gandhi. "Only 15 months are left for elections. If we work with unity and discipline there is no reason why we won't get people's mandate again," she said.

 She said party leaders should work for the welfare of all and not restrict themselves to their "favourites". Sonia Gandhi said she was happy with the participation of the younger colleagues in the brain storming conclave and hoped that it will help the party project new leadership. The Congress President also spoke of women's empowerment in the context of the gang rape of the Delhi and of the need to fight corruption in public life.

 "I am delighted with the participation of so many youths. Involving young people more centrally is necessary to develop and protect new leadership," said Sonia Gandhi. The UPA chairperson also highlighted the efforts the UPA government was making to fight corruption. She said that the government has initiated five-point programme, including drafting laws to combat corruption. The UPA chairperson also took the credit of introducing the Lokpal bill in Parliament.