Sonia pats women for being no less than men

Rae Bareli, Sep 26 (UNI) Highlighting the feminine power, Congress president Sonia Gandhi today said women were contributing more towards the development of the nation than men.

''Today, women are walking shoulder-to-shoulder with men in all fields, especially industrial, banking and corporate sectors,'' Ms Gandhi said, while addressing members of a women Self Help Group (SHG) at National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) community centre during the first day of her visit here.

''The nation would walk on the path of betterment and prosperity, if women continued to work in unity by forming such groups,'' the Congress chief said.

Ms Gandhi also met the flood-affected families in Dotspur, Sehgo, Pingara, Bhavanigarh and Ranigarh villages of Maharajganj area and asked them about the assistance provided to them by the state government.

After this, she participated at an eye camp in Sehgo village and expressed heartfelt sympathy to bereaved family members of party functionary Sushil Agrahari in Maharajganj area.

Later in the day, the Congress president visited the residence of late legislator Ram Dulare Kureel and mourned before the kins of the deceased.

Ms Gandhi is on a two-day visit to her parliamentary constituency here.

As per the schedule, Mrs Gandhi would make a night halt at ITI guest house today and tomorrow morning, she would meet a couple of people.

Later, she would also distribute sports kits to children at a programme in ITI club.

The Congress leader would also venture for surprise checking of the developmental works in her constituency, besides attending the district vigilance and monitoring committee.

UNI XC-JAS PK BD2011