Congress chief ministers should set example against corruption: Sonia

NEW DELHI - Congress chief Sonia Gandhi Sunday said party chief ministers should set an example by reviewing and relinquishing powers related to land allocation that “breed” corruption.

“I would like all Congress chief ministers to set an example by reviewing and relinquishing such powers (discretionary powers of land allocation),” she said in a message targeting Karnataka’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government where Chief Minister B.S. Yeddyurappa faces charges of favouring kin with prime land.

Addressing the 83rd Congress plenary at Burari in the capital, she also said party leaders must not give room for any doubts to be expressed about their probity and accountability.

“Simplicity and austerity must be the chosen way,” she said, but stressed that this must not mean party men stop celebrating occasions like marriages and birthdays.

“Such occasions can be celebrated in a restrained way. We must set an example. Stop vulgar display of wealth,” she said.