Striking an emotional chord with the people of Mizoram, Sonia Gandhi started “I am delighted to be back in this beautiful state, a state that is the pride of our country, the state that enriches our glorious diversities, the state of hardworking and talented people.”
Launching the state government’s Food Security programme the UPA Chairperson said “We all know that in spite of the progress made in our country we still have people who are malnourished and grow hungry and that is why we have passed the Food Security Bill in the Lok Sabha that will provide rice and other groceries at a very low price to the most needed people of our country. And it is my please to also launch the Food Security programme here in Mizoram, where a huge number of people by which good number people from both rural and urban area will be the beneficiaries”.
While announcing the launch of the fourth phase of NLUP programme, Sonia Gandhi said “The National Land Use Programme, or NLUP as it is popularly known, was also a commitment in our manifesto and I believe that this too has been fulfilled in a very substantial measure. NLUP has generated new prosperity in rural areas and already over one lakh families have benefitted from it”.
“In the past few years, our UPA government has made special efforts to build a close relationship with countries like Bangladesh, Myanmar and Thailand because we believe that this will be a great advantage for Mizoram. The Kaladan Multi-modal Transit Transport Project is approaching its completion and this project will improve connectivity to the entire North-Eastern region through Mizoram,” informed the Congress President.
Sonia Gandhi continued, “Congress party is seeking a new mandate. We are seeking this renewed mandate on the basis of our performance over the decades but particularly over the past five years”. The Congress leader concluded her speech by assuring all support to the people of Mizoram.
“On behalf of the Congress party, that has always had a special relationship with Mizoram, and on my own behalf because I always have a special place in my heart for the people of Mizoram, I seek your support for another term and I can tell you that your concerns will be our priorities; your voices will be our guide” said Sonia Gandhi concluding her address.
Mizoram is likely to go for Assembly elections either at the end of October or in early November.
Text of Sonia Gandhi’s speech
I am delighted to be back in this beautiful state, a state that is the pride of our country, the state that enriches our glorious diversities, the state of hardworking and talented people. We have just laid the foundation stone for a new Sainik School and we all know that education is the key to bright future of our children.
Young people here excel in so many spheres, in sports, in music, in studies.. It is important to encourage them and support them at all times. I hope that this school will provide the best education and make it possible for the students to exploit their talent and full potential. I must convey my deep appreciation to all persons for so generously donating the land and helping to construct the school.
We all know that in spite of the progress made in our country we still have people who are malnourished and grow hungry and that is why we have passed the Food Security Bill in the Lok Sabha that will provide rice and other groceries at a very low price to the most needed people of our country. And it is my please to also launch the Food Security programme here in Mizoram, where a huge number of people by which good number people from both rural and urban area will be the beneficiaries. As the Chief Minister has just mentioned, we also announce today that 210 MW hydel power plant has been cleared by the Central government.
Friends, Five years ago, the people of Mizoram gave the Congress party a mandate to give a corruption free administration. I think that mandate has been fulfilled. For the first time, the state has an ethic committee that acts as a watchdog against corruption in higher places. This committee includes representatives of all churches and also people from some prominent NGOs and I believe that combined by the RTI this has transformed governance in the state and I know today nobody can point an accusing finger to the government.
The National Land Use Programme, or NLUP as it is popularly known, was also a commitment in our manifesto and I believe that this too has been fulfilled in a very substantial measure. NLUP has generated new prosperity in rural areas and already over one lakh families have benefitted from it. May of them have opened their own bank account for the first time. The bru refugees returning who were among the poorest of the poor will also be covered by NLUP. The fourth phase of NLUP has also been launched today.
We also had promised to revive the economic growth. I believe the progress made in the past five years is there to all of you to see. A number of projects to generate electricity have been taken up as electricity is essential for economic growth for small-medium industries, for farmers and for all people in general. Seven rivers have been harnessed for generating power and in manner that will fully protect the environment. Rural roads have been constructed to improve the connectivity. The use of bamboo has received a major boost; advances have also been made in horticulture where fruits especially strawberry and flowers are in great demand across the country.
In the past few years, our UPA government has made special efforts to build a close relationship with countries like Bangladesh, Myanmar and Thailand because we believe that this will be a great advantage for Mizoram. The Kaladan Multi-modal Transit Transport Project is approaching its completion and this project will improve connectivity to the entire North-Eastern region through Mizoram.
I am fully aware that the Chief Minister has mentioned that Mizoram needs more financial help for infrastructure from the Centre and I can tell you that the Prime Minister is fully ceased of the issue of the need of Mizoram and I am very sure that the interest of your state will always be protected.
Friends, Mizoram has been a peace for more than a quarter of a century. It is because of this atmosphere of peace, that development and progress have been possible. It is because of this atmosphere of peace, that the people of this state are able to lead a life without any fear. And I can say with great pride, that Mizoram is a model for other states where unfortunately conflicts of one type or other are still existing.
In this context I cannot help but recall the vision and courage of Rajiv Gandhi and who with support and cooperation of Sh. Lal Thanhawla Ji and his colleagues and people of Mizoram made it possible this transformation.
Friends, Congress party is seeking a new mandate. We are seeking this renewed mandate on the basis of our performance over the decades but particularly over the past five years. We are seeking this on the basis of our pledges to continue to provide a responsible, efficient, transparent administration and an administration that cares for and answers the need of all sections of Mizoram society. An administration that will further improve the life of the people through better education, better skills, better health facilities and better job opportunities.
On behalf of the Congress party, that has always had a special relationship with Mizoram, and on my own behalf because I always have a special place in my heart for the people of Mizoram, I seek your support for another term and I can tell you that your concerns will be our priorities; your voices will be our guide.
Thank you.. Jai Hind..
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