Accusing the Government and its "masters" of "systematically working to dismantle" the legacy of Congress, Sonia Gandhi today launched a scathing attack on the ruling BJP over its alleged "communal and divisive" agenda.
She said "blatantly partisan" appeals were being made by the ruling establishment to obtain votes and that policies aimed at favouring the "powerful" were being followed at the expense of the weak.
Sonia alleged that the "ideology at work" shuns the pursuit of secularism, tolerance, inclusion and equality. "Spokespersons of its agenda make blatantly partisan appeals to obtain votes," she said.
Referring to the defeat of the NDA alliance in the Bihar polls, she said it was possible for the Congress to overcome the recent "obstacles" it faced through hard work and perseverance.
"In recent times our party has faced some set-backs, but as the election in Bihar shows, if we persevere and work hard, we can overcome these obstacles. We should never forget that the Congress is much more than just a political party, it is a people's movement," she said.
"Today, when we see the ruling establishment pursuing communal and divisive politics, when we see the ruling establishment following policies that favour the few and the powerful at the expense of the weak and the many...Indiraji's life and values acquire even greater importance," she said.
The Congress chief was addressing a gathering of Youth Congress on the occassion of the 98th birth anniversary of Indira Gandhi. Sonia hailed the former Prime Minister as the "mother of millions" and as one who has left an "indelible impression" on history.
"National unity and secularism were amongst the pillars of her beliefs. She was keenly mindful of the suffering and injustice faced by the weak and the marginalised...Even today in many parts of the country she is remembered as Maa (mother)," she said.
"Today, the present government and its masters who exercise their control from behind the scenes, are systematically working to dismantle the legacy of the Congress, to rewrite our history, to negate all that Nehru, Indiraji and all our leaders have achieved. We will not allow them to succeed. Our party's history is intimately linked with the history of our country," she said.
She stressed on the need to reach out to the masses by taking up their issues and working among them "not just in time of elections but at all times."
"Perhaps, one way for the Youth Congress to do this is to make its own version of Indiraji's 20 point programme and dedicatedly work towards fulfilling it," she said.
Sonia also recalled the contribution of Mahatma Gandhi, Nehru and BR Ambedkar in her speech. Ambedkar was the main architect of the Indian Constitution, she reminded the youth activists.
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At a time when it is looking to bounce back from its worst -ever poll debacle in the 2014 general elections, Congress cited the case of Indira Gandhi.
"From the heights of success to the lows of defeat, only to rise again to greater heights, her life teaches us that with courage, dedication and determination, even the most difficult obstacles can be overcome.
"In recent times, our party has faced some setbacks, but as the election in Bihar shows, if we persevere and work hard, we can overcome these obstacles. We should never forget that Congress is much more than just a political party, it is a people's movement," she said.
Noting that Indira Gandhi's greatest strength was that she could connect directly with the people, she said that Congress can achieve that only by working among the people, by taking up their issues, by empathising with them and by helping them out when they are in need.
"That is how this relationship can be strengthened -- not just at times of elections, but at all times. Perhaps, one way for the Youth Congress to do this is to make its own version of Indiraji's 20 point programme and dedicatedly work towards fulfilling it," she said.
The day-long conference started with an introductory speech by AICC Secretary Suraj Hegde, who is the in-charge of Youth Congress.
Sonia Gandhi hailed Youth Congress as the first forum for future leaders who help the "parent" to build the nation.
IYC President Amarinder Singh Raja said Indira Gandhi is Mother of the Nation even as he criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for "just promising good days".
Accusing Modi and RSS of playing divisive politics, he said that BJP "may be successful in removing Indira Gandhi from postal stamp but would not succeed in removing her from the hearts of Indians".
