We will take corruption head-on: Sonia

NEW DELHI - Reiterating her message on fighting graft, Congress president Sonia Gandhi Monday said the party-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government will “take corruption head-on” and demonstrate its commitment through action.

In her concluding speech at the 83rd Congress plenary in Burari, in north-west Delhi, Gandhi said: “We will take corruption head-on and demonstrate through our action and not through words alone that we mean what we say.”

Referring to her five-point agenda to fight corruption, unveiled Sunday, Gandhi said the prime minister had assured that the suggestions will be taken forward.

The agenda outlined Sunday included fast-tracking of all corruption cases and full transparency in all procurements and contracts.

She said the party will soon begin preparations for a “chintan shivir” (brainstorming session).

Gandhi said the party workers should speak up for an unacceptably large number of our countrymen and women who are denied the opportunity to lead a dignified life”.

She said that discussions on the party resolutions have been meaningful and constructive. What is important now is for all of us to carry the message of these resolutions across the country.”

Gandhi said the record of the UPA government stands out distinctively compared to the performance of the National Democratic Alliance government.

The Congress chief had a special word for praise for partymen who had got nothing from either the party or the government.

I have full realization that many partymen have got rewards for their efforts, there are few who have got something but not as much as they wanted, but the number of such Congressmen is the largest who have got nothing either from the party and government. They still continue to work with dedication. I have a special place in my heart for them, she said.

Gandhi said that party workers who have got rewards for their efforts should also learn from such dedicated partymen who had got nothing.