New TPP seeks to reinforce commitment to aam aadmi :Congress

New Delhi, October 6 (UNI) The Congress Party today said the restructured 20-point programme (TPP) with its focus on "Garibi Hatao" (poverty eradication) does not reflect any policy shift but seeks to reinforce the party's commitment to the "aam aadmi." "It is not a policy shift. It is a more inclusive shift," Party Spokesman Aishek Manu Singhvi told mediapersons.

The recast 20-point programme, approved by the Union Cabinet yesterday, seeks to put the famous slogan of "Garibi Hatao," which gave former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi a stunning electoral victory in the 1971 poll, back on the main agenda of the Congress led UPA government.

Justifying the new focus to Garibi Hatao" in the context of globalisation and liberalisation in the Indian economy, Dr Singh said "we are reemphasising the focus." "We want to send a message that there is no contradiction between globalisation and strong equitable distribution. "Distributive equity is the heart and soul of the Congress." Replying to a question, he said the restructuring of the TPP was not for "gross political purpose." Dr Singhvi dismissed the suggestion that the new focus on "Garibi Hatao" was in the context of the "failure" of the Manmohan Singh government in poverty alleviation during the past 28 months.

UNI SH/YS VD VV1853