Sonia Gandhi: Young generation is expecting much more from political parties.

Taking serious note of middle class protesters taking to the streets over corruption, Congress President Sonia Gandhi said that we should realize the new emerging India and the young generation is expecting more from political parties.

"We have to recognize the new changing India, peopled by a younger, more aspirational, more impatient and more demanding generation. Our people are expecting much more from their political parties. Today's India is better informed and better equipped to communicate. This is a phenomenon, a churning that we must understand and continue to respond to."

Taking cognizance of the growing concern about women's safety, she said, "Atrocities on women, both in urban and rural India, are a blot on our collective conscience and a matter of great shame."

Sonia Gandhi's carefully crafted speech referred to the principal political challenges before the party and the government at a time when UPA 2's credibility is seen to have taken a beating due to corruption scandals, an anemic economy and demoralizing electoral losses. "Is it not the case that we have squandered many opportunities that people are willing to give us simply because we have been unable to function as a disciplined and united team," said the Congress President.

Sonia Gandhi cautioned that the party has been on a losing ticket in traditional strongholds and needs to work on its alliances. The need to seek alliances was, however, couched alongside a call for Congress not to give up its effort to revive its fortunes. "We must admit that we now face increased competition and inroads have been made into our traditional support bases," Sonia told delegates, adding that being out of office for long in some states is impacting morale and organisational ability.

On the theme of young and discontented voters, Sonia Gandhi said there were one crore new job seekers every year and they needed avenues and opportunities. "Our youth is getting more assertive, it wants its voice to be heard," she said.

The decision to underline the worries over middle class is rooted in a genuine fear that the 2014 battle may be made or marred in towns and urban centres that Congress swept with ease in 2009.