CWC acknowledges Sonia's contribution

New Delhi, Mar 13 (UNI) On the eve of Ms Sonia Gandhi completing 10 years as Party President, the Congress Working Committee (CWC) today acknowledged her "dynamic and courageous leadership and her immense contribution in revitalising the party, in inspiring the Congressmen and women to collectively work for nation-building and empowerment of the weak and the poor." In a resolution adopted at the meeting, which was not attended by Ms Gandhi, the CWC termed the occasion as a "historic milestone" in the 122 years ' history of the Congress, and said her efforts arrested the drift and despondency which had gripped the Party in the preceding years.

The meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, was held at his official residence at the 7 Race Course Road.

The resolution said Ms Gandhi had responded to the collective request of the leadership and workers of the Party to step in and guide the organisation at a time when the Congress was going through a "turbulent phase and was confronted with daunting challenges." "As the President of the AICC, she worked tirelessly, travelling the length and breadth of the country to lead the process of Party's revival." The CWC said Ms Gandhi galvanised the rank and file of the Party which led to its successful campaign in the 2004 May General Elections proving the skeptics wrong and ensuring the formation of the UPA government.

"She has strengthened the organisation through her expressed belief in free and democratic exchange of views and consensus building on important policy initiatives," it said, adding that she was recognised for her selfless commitment to the spirit of service to the country and its people.

"Her personal example of refusal to accept power and instead to work for orgnisation has re-kindled the time-cherished values of the Congress." The Resolutiion said Ms Gandhi had uphled the rich traditions of the illustrious Nehru-Gandhi family and strongly identified herself with the core values espoused by the Congress for the cause of the underprivileged and the marginalised.

The CWC gave entire credit to Ms Gandhi for the initiatives of the ruling UPA's programmes such as National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme and the Rs 60,000 crore farm loan waiver.

It said her prompt response to natural calamities and reaching out to the victims of violence and terrorism, has underscored her empathy for the suffering of the people.

The Working Committee said it was Ms Gandhi who had inspired the Congress Party to take the historic initiative to commemorate the centenary of the Satyagraha launched by Mahatma Gandhi from South Africa on September 11, 1906.

It also referred to the role of Ms Gandhi in the United Nations declaring October 2, the date of birth of Mahatma Gandhi, as International Day of Non-Violence.

UNI SH VD BD2005