Sonia downplays discord at Centre

New York, Oct 2 (UNI) Congress president and UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi has played down the apparent difference in opinion between the governing coalition and its supporting parties.

Addressing a reception here last night by the Indian National Overseas Congress(USA)and other community organisations, she said ''Sometimes a great deal is made in the public domain of opinions expressed by our friends, but this should not alarm you,'' alluding to the Left parties' opposition to the nuclear energy deal between India and the US.

''We believe it is important to listen to all points of view because we believe this only strengthens the democratic process and help us arrive at a consensus.'' The Congress party leader did not cite nuclear energy or any other contentious issue.

Ms Gandhi arrived in New York on Sunday night accompanied by her son Rahul Gandhi, the newly appointed general secretary of the party.

UNI