NEW DELHI: Commencing her 16th year as Congress President, Sonia Gandhi today said being at the helm was “not an easy task” and gave credit to the party’s rank in helping her accomplish the job.
“It was not an easy task. But it was made possible due to your support and the love and affection of the grass root and ordinary workers which made the task easier and the credit goes to them”, the 66-year-old Gandhi told the leaders.
Gandhi is currently in the fourth term of the Presidentship which expires in 2015. Changes have been made in the party constitution that now mandates organizational polls after five years instead of three years earlier.
She has created history by becoming the longest serving chief of the 127-year-old organization.
AICC leaders said that some PCC Chiefs had sought permission for celebrating the occasion in a big way, but Gandhi advised them against it in view of drought situation in some parts of the country.
Several senior Congress leaders including Union IT Minister Kapil Sibal, Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit, Minister of State for Planning Rajeev Shukla, Delhi Congress Chief J P Agarwal went to Gandhi’s residence to congratulate her.
“We thanked her for leading the party and strengthening it. Her contribution for the party is worth praise. Every one has praised her. All the MPs, MLAs and Ministers have praised her efforts and for leading the party in tough times,” Shukla told reporters outside Gandhi’s residence.
Praising Gandhi’s leadership abilities, Agarwal said Congress party’s future is secure in her hands.
“She has amazing leadership quality and ability to tackle problems. Her heart beats for common man and she wants to see everyone happy. So our future is secure with her,” he said.
Congress’ SC/ST Cell Chairman V Hanumanth Rao expressed confidence that party will come back to power in 2014 General Elections.
“Under her guidance UPA-I and II came in power. I promise that under her leadership Congress will go for a hat-trick in 2014. Her style of functioning is very good and she has said that no injustice will be done with the workers,” he said. -PTI
