Given the DMK-generated political crisis, Congress president Sonia Gandhi on Tuesday made an all out effort to placate the Dravidian ally by demanding an independent and credible inquiry into the unspeakable atrocities against civilians in the island nation.
“We are anguished by reports of unspeakable atrocities on innocent civilians and children, especially during the last days of the conflict in 2009. These reports cannot go uninvestigated. That is why we demand for an independent and credible inquiry into the violation of human rights in Sri lanka.” Sonia said while addressing the Congress Parliamentary Party meeting.
She said that India has always supported equal rights and protection to lankan Tamils. “We are most pained at the manner in which their legitimate political right continues to be denied to them.”
She also expressed great concern over the plight of Indian fishermen who are being detained or fired upon by the Sri lankan navy and called for a permanent solution to the daily violence against them.
However, realising the precarious situation of the government, Sonia also sounded the poll bugle saying the party is galvanizing itself for assembly polls and lok Sabha elections. She asked party leaders to face elections with confidence, professionalism and enthusiasm.
Making a scathing attack on the Opposition, she said that people have seen through the “obstructionist tactics” adopted by BJP in Parliament and deliberate falsehood spread by it outside. “The use of intemperate and abusive language by the BJP about our party and its leaders goes beyond the pale of civilised discussion and debate. Are we going to take this lying downIJ Certainly not. We will maintain our dignity and take our fight to the people.”
Highlighting landmark bills being brought by the Government, be it Food Security Bill which has been cleared by the Cabinet, Anti-rape bill, land Acquisition Bill and the one related to time-bound redressal of public grievances and time-bound delivery of public service, she asked party leaders to forcefully argue in their favour both inside Parliament and outside. She also asked them to take active interest in implementing Direct Benefits Transfer.
In view of various scams plaguing the Government and anti-corruption agitation fresh in her mind, Sonia said that the Government’s fight against malaise of corruption continues in earnest and the Gover
nment is committed for the early passage of lokpal Bill. Describing the Chintan Shivir a successful exercise, she asked MPs to help implementing the commitments made in the Jaipur Declaration.