Sonia Gandhi tears into BJP, says its ideology 'irrelevant'

Kochi: Tearing into the BJP, Sonia Gandhi on Saturday said victory for Congress in the coming Lok Sabha polls is vital to safeguard the unity and secularism of the country and cautioned the people against giving in to the 'untested promises and lies' of the saffron party.

Launching the UDF's campaign in Kerala at a state-level Congress convention here, the Congress President also attacked the CPI(M) for clinging to an 'irrelevant' ideology and pursuing viloent means to secure its goals.

Urging party workers to gear up for a grim electoral battle shedding internal rivalries, Gandhi said her party stood for such cherished national ideals like secularism, unity in diversity and democratic polity, which were under threat. "The idea of India is under threat by those who don’t just seek to rule but to change the very heart and soul of the nation," she said.

While the Congress stood for unity, the 'principal opposition' wanted to divide and separate one from another. "The choice is very clear. Whether to vote for peace or vote that promotes fear. We want India’s unity and they want to divide by hatred," she said.

Listing the achievements and progressive legislations brought in by the UPA rule, she said "we approach the people with confidence as we have many achievements to our credit."

Criticising the repeated stalling of Parliament by the opposition, she said many legislations related to corruption were on the cards, but the Opposition was not allowing the government to pass those bills.

On the issue of corruption, she said Congress always took action whenever complaints of graft came up. "On every instance of corruption that have come to light, we have taken action. I want to know what action has been taken in corruption cases in the states ruled by BJP."

Earlier, launching a government-civil society initiative for safety and security of women in the state, Gandhi said she deeply regretted that the Women's Reservation bill could not be passed by Parliament for lack of consensus but her party would continue its efforts for passage of the legislation.

Next: Sonia regrets failure to pass women's quota bill 

Sonia regrets failure to pass women's quota bill 

Kochi: UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi today regretted that the Women's Reservation Bill has not been able to be passed in the Lok Sabha for lack of consensus.

"With the Lok Sabha elections looming large, my greatest regret is that the Women Reservation Bill has not been able to be passed in the Lok Sabha for lack of consensus though it has been approved by the Rajya Sabha", she said here.

Gandhi made the observation while launching the 'Nirbhaya Kerala Surakshita Kerala' --Fearless Kerala, Secure Kerala-- programme, a Government-civil society initiative to tackle crimes against women and children.

"It is a matter of deep anguish for all of us that harassment against women continues in many parts of the country. I do not have to remind you of the shameful happenings in Delhi and Mumbai.It is a matter of concern that such happenings are repeated," Gandhi said.

She, however, added that her party would continue its struggle for the legislation which seeks to reserve 33 per cent of seats in Parliament and legislatures for women.

Noting that the UPA Government had initiated several schemes for welfare of women, she said the government schemes alone would not ensure safety of women. It required awareness campaigns and training young minds from the school level to respect women in all fields.

"It is a matter of concern that atrocities against women and children are increasing. Government schemes are, of course, essential and are of great importance. What is required is a change in the society's attitude towards women," Gandhi said.

Pointing that Kerala had been a model for women empowerment, she said social reform movement initiated by Sree Narayana Guru had played a vital role in this area.

Referring to the new scheme, Gandhi said, "I am relieved that Kerala is doing something tangible which could be replicated in other states."

Increased surveillance and creation of public awareness which form the part of the programme would certainly instill greater confidence in women, she added.

Lauding the UDF Government's proposal to start six new all-woman police stations, Gandhi wanted it to raise the presence of women in the state police force from the present five per cent to 25 per cent in the coming years.

State Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala said the scheme would be implemented with the cooperation of various government departments, NGOs and neighbourhood groups like Kudumbasree and Janashree.

As part of the scheme, 12,000 women volunteers would make a house-to-house visit across the state to know about the problems faced by women. Chief Minister Oommen Chandy and Union ministers Vayalar Ravi and K V Thomas, state ministers K M Mani, P K Kunhalikutty, M K Muneer and K Babu were present on the occasion.