Ahmedabad, 3 October 2012

Following is the 20 minute speech of Congress President Sonia Gandhi(near complete translation of her Hindi speech).

Sonia remembers Gandhiji and his connection to Gujarat and Saurashtra and starts the speech:

-We progressed since independence, and miles of distance has to be passed ahead. She added, “while we are happy with this, we are sad too with the fact that our opponents can’t see this development and speak about barbadi.The truth therefore is not able to reach the people.

-Many people talk loudly, but nobody has done so much that Congress has done for Gujarat. Gujarat is ahead in Petrochemicals, refinery, textile and other industries. Such units were established during Congress rule. Some people have habit to take credit of hard work of others. Let them do so, but actually the people of Gujarat have earned fame in not only in India but in the world through their own commitment and hard-work.

-Who erected the foundations of Gujarat’s development? Who founded the Narmada project? Congress founded it, Nehruji founded it, and named it after Gujarat’s great son Sardar Patel. I want to ask that this important project was conceived for farmers, but in last ten years, Narmada water has not reached Saurashtra. Even today the farmers are deprived of water here. Farmers have committed suicide.

-I am aware that there has been loss to farmers here due to drought. I wish the state govt complete the survey and send the details to central govt so that insurance money can be released.

-Farmers work hard. Our UPA govt not only waived their debt but raised MSP to the limit that one can not imagine.

-Many steps related to seeds, fertilizer, irrigation have been taken.

-We recently purchased cotton on market rate.

-I realize the issues related to the fishermen, an we will give attention to it.

-Under the UPA govt, many development works in the areas of education, health, rural employment, and basic infrastructure are going on.

-They are hiding the truth that UPA govt has given 50% more fund to Gujarat compare to NDA govt.

-Congress realizes very well that the cities and the villages should develop at same pace, and we can’t describe India as developed nation if it is not so.

-The farm products are procured at cheaper rates in the villages and they they are available in cities at higher prices. Can’t the farmers sell their products directly to cities? FDI will make it possible. If some CM doesn’t want to implement ‘FDI in retail’ in the state, then he is allowed to do so, then why the people are misled?

-When we take various steps for people, we are attacked, but we will continue to do so.

-We are facing difficult situation internationally. We procure 80% oil from outside. And during the BJP/NDA time, the oil price was Rs 32 per barrel, today it’s Rs 140 per barrel. Therefore when international prices go up, we have to bear it. Why the state govt here doesn’t cut the VAT which is highest in the country here? We give three extra gas cylinder where we rule, but why this has not happened in Gujarat? We have given right to poor tribal to have land, but in Gujarat this right is not given. Here Dalits are shot at when they seek justice. Here BabaSaheb’s ideals are insulted. Our women are not safe here, they face atrocities.

-We care for one thing, and worried for it. I’m talking about corruption. When poison spreads, it reaches each part of the body. To counter the evil of corruption we first introduced RTI law. Wherever we received complain, we took strict action. But BJP doesn’t walk the talk. Their intentions are faulty.

-Even after CAG report and evidences, BJP is not acting. Lok Sabha passed Lokpal bill, but who didn’t allow it to pass in Rajya Sabha? BJP didn’t allow, and they are talking about corruption! Why for lat 8 years, Lokpal has not been appointed? They are not against corruption but against us only. The parliament discusses the things and makes decisions. Those who don’t allow to run parliament are against this nation’s constitution and democracy.

-You are wise, and you understand everything. Congress is determined to do development in Gujarat. It has been Congress’s strong desire to fight for farmers, labours, fishermen, women, children, youths, tribal, dalits and minorities. We will have to walk on the path of Gandhiji. We will have to take motivation from Sardar Patel and Nehruji. We don’t know what our opponents will say, but we will make a new Gujarat. Therefore I appeal you that let’s take a decision that we will make a new Gujarat, respecting Gujarat’s traditions.