Vote UDF back for development: Sonia

Thrissur, Apr 23 (UNI) Congress president Sonia Gandhi today asked the people of Kerala to give another mandate to the United Democratic Front (UDF) for development of the state and fulfill the programmes that it had initiated.

In the second leg of electioneering in the northern parts of the state, she said the UDF government had brought prosperity and restored the economic stability of the state. ''It is only the UDF that has a modern vision to meet the challenges faced by Kerala,'' she added.

Ms Sonia Gandhi said the political opponents of the Congress only had a negative agenda. ''They speak one thing when in power and quite another language when in opposition,'' she said and added the opponents believed in the politics of confrontation and violence.

Outlining the development works of the UDF, Ms Gandhi said the Oommen Chandy government had implemented many programmes for the welfare of the state, like the 'Ashraya' project and health insurance for the poor. The UDF government had restored the economic stability in the state, which had been completely shattered by the previous LDF government.

She also said the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government at the Centre had given very high priority to Kerala. The Centre had sanctioned all the infrastructure projects and also had green signal for new programmes to be implemented for the welfare of the people.

The government has also formed a new Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs to look into the problems and welfare of non-resident Indians.

Appealing to the people to vote for the UDF candidates, she said, ''A vote for the UDF is a vote for the dignity, security and prosperity of each citizen of the state.'' Pointing out that the UDF was committed to implement all its promises, she said, ''Only the UDF can assure a better future for each and every citizen of Kerala. The UDF alone has the capability and determination to keep up the social security and development of the state.'' UNI XR-PN VV VJ HS1534