Sonia Gandhi says crimes against women a blot on our conscience

Congress president Sonia Gandhi while  making her opening remarks at Congress’ chintan shivir at Jaipuir that issues related to crimes against women and children must be promptly dealt with. "Discrimination against the girl child and atrocities against women are a blot on our collective conscience. Sexual harassment, women trafficking and female foeticide should shake us and awaken us," Sonia Gandhi said.

"Gender issues are fundamental and the entire party must bring this to the heart of political activity and change mindsets," said the Congress President. On the situation on Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir, Sonia Gandhi said: "Dialogue with neighbours must be based on accepted principles of civilised behaviour."

Asking the Congress workers to look at its strengths, weaknesses and threats, the Congress president said, "There is increased competition and inroads have been made in our traditional strongholds. We have to strike a fine balance between respecting alliances and ensuring rejuvenation of the party." She asked party men to observe austerity. "Lavish weddings will lead to questions on where money came from," warned Sonia Gandhi.

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.

Sonia Gandhi tells party men: Go to the people and explain about our achievements

Congress President Sonia Gandhi while speaking on the concluding day of the Congress’ chintan shivir at Jaipur urged the party men to go the people and explain about government’s position on various affairs. She said that the Central government was forced to take some "harsh steps" because of the global economic slowdown.

"When the whole world was dealing with financial crisis, India was not that badly effected. But today even India is effected with global economic situation. That has forced our government to take some harsh steps," Sonia Gandhi said. The 'Chintan Shivir', the Congress party's introspective meet began here Jan 18 and concluded on Sunday.

"I know that (economic slowdown) has caused some problem to the common people, but our government should explain to the people the steps they have taken to deal with inflation," she said.

Calling corruption a "deep rooted malice", Congress president said the party must lead the 'struggle' to counter its effect. "Let me reiterate corruption at all levels is a deep rooted malice and all sections of society are effected by it. As a party we must lead struggle to combat its effect," Sonia Gandhi said.

Sonia Gandhi had earlier also said that corruption was the main concern of the nation when the party held its session at Burari in July 2011. She added that a five-point agenda to deal with corruption was given and the party has moved on with it. The key among the steps taken was introducing Lokpal bill in the parliament and introducing more transparency in process of allocating natural resources, said the Congress president. "We have introduced path breaking legislation for grievance redressal, whistle blowers, and historic 'apka paisa apke hath' (your money in your hands, the direct cash transfer scheme) initiative," said Sonia Gandhi.

The Congress party will always fight divisive forces and ideologies threatening the country's unity and integrity, added the party president. "We will always fight the ideologies and forces, which threaten the integrity and unity of the country, pol-arise our society and divide the people," she added.

"The Congress party is the prime symbol of unity and integrity. We are fully committed towards the emotional integrity of the country," said Sonia Gandhi.