Sonia finally ends splendid isolation

NEW DELHI, January 12: The layers of carefully crafted privacy at 10, Janpath, are slowly being peeled away by the enthusiasm which Sonia Ga...

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NEW DELHI, January 12: The layers of carefully crafted privacy at 10, Janpath, are slowly being peeled away by the enthusiasm which Sonia Gandhi seems to be generating among the Congress supporters. Today, a day after her return from Sriperumbudur, she released a signed statement asking partymen to unite and rejuvenate the party.

And almost simultaneously, crowds thronged 10, Janpath, in a rush to seek her darshan forcing a tumultuous 10-minute interaction with about 200 people this evening.

The winds of change were first indicated in the manner of issuing the statement. Her first one, announcing her decision to plunge into active politics, came from the “Office of Sonia Gandhi” and was signed by her private secretary, Vincent George. The second one, drafted on January 9 but released today, comes from “Sonia Gandhi” and is signed by her, making it her first ever signed statement. In addition, it was released in English, Hindi and Urdu indicating the widespread the lady is seeking for her efforts. “I share with you the sense of urgency with which the Congress organisation has to be revitalised and rejuvenated. This is, however, not a time for recrimination but a time to come together in solidarity and rise above all factional considerations….I appeal to you, therefore, to involve yourselves in right earnest in this crucial election battle so that the Congress party is able to further strengthen the roots of democracy and the secular polity of India,” the statement tells party cadres.

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Since the statement is to be sent to all PCC units for distribution among party workers, the message being sent here is one of involvement with each worker even though he or she may not have a chance to interact with Sonia. This was a practice perfected by Indira Gandhi who had the Congress masses swearing by her after years of personal contact in remote areas.

In Sonia’s case, though, it has begun with a personal message as she hasn’t earlier gone to the masses for any political activity. And slowly, she is beginningto meet people on her own, as shown this evening. These included people from all ages, religions and castes.

The special touch came when Sonia caressed the wrinkled cheeks of an old woman who came specifically to see “Indira and Rajiv’s successor”. The stress in her statement was how she was one among Congress workers and begins with a belated New Year’s greetings. “As you know I have always considered myself a member of the large Congress family and have travelled the length and breadth of the country along with my husband and witnessed the enthusiasm and dedication with which all of you worked under his leadership.

Reiterating that she had responded to requests from the Congress, she added: “I am sure the candidates of the party will be selected on merit and sufficient representation will be given to the youth, women and weaker sections of society.” It was a subtle hint to the AICC high command on whom to allot tickets to.

UP Cong proposal to Sonia, Priyanka

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The Uttar Pradesh Congress today passed a resolution urging Sonia Gandhi and her daughter Priyanka to contest the coming Lok Sabha poll from Amethi and Rae Bareilly respectively . Captain Satish Sharma has been denied the Amethi seat.

The meeting, presided over by UPCC chief N D Tiwari, authorised party’s central election committee to take a final decision on candidates to be fielded from Uttar Pradesh. The UPCC suggested to the central leadership to take advice of Sonia Gandhi while choosing aspirants for the election in the state.