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Journalism of Courage
New Delhi, Nov 21: Congress president Sonia Gandhi on Sunday promised her party’s total support for the passage of economic legislations which were consistent with the promises made in the Congress party’s election manifesto.Addressing the 72nd annual session of the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (Ficci), she said: "I wish to state categorically that our approach will be constructive and responsible."
Taking a dig at the Vajpayee government, Sonia said: "Just because our opponents played politics when they were in the opposition, and now that they are in power, (they) have suddenly discovered the virtues of pragmatism, it does not mean that we will also behave similarly. In the previous government, it was the Congress party which showed greater responsibility when it came to getting key economic legislation passed and that will remain our position."
However, industry must realise that in a pluralistic society such as India’s, there will be always be debate and discussion andexpression of different views. "Unanimity may not always be feasible or even desirable. But what is certainly possible is consensus," she said. Sonia cautioned that economic reforms cannot take place without a social face and improvement of conditions for the poor and illiterate. "We must never lose sight of the fact that the largest number of poor and illiterate are our countrymen and women. It is imperative that we improve their lot and bring them out of povetry and ignorance," she said, adding that unless people experienced the benefits of reforms, it would not succeed.
She called for further reforms in the banking and financial sectors for mopping up much needed funds for the ever increasing requirements of the infrastructure sector to ensure 7-8 per cent economic growth and make India a global power.
Sonia asked the government to take strong action to correct fiscal imbalances, and ensure determined action in high-priority sectors like power, railways, ports and telecom. She said the reforms mustreflect in the eradication of poverty and unemployment.
