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Sonia slams divisive politics

By Our Special Correspondent

NEW DELHI AUG. 9. Without naming any party, the Congress president, Sonia Gandhi, today accused some forces of attempting to destroy the secular fabric of the country through divisive politics, and charged others with indulging in politics of convenience with the sole intention of staying in power.

Addressing a meeting organised at the AICC headquarters here on the 60th anniversary of the Quit India Movement, Ms. Gandhi also lamented the way the principles of equality and socialism — the cherished goals of the founding fathers of Independent India — were being elbowed out by narrow interests.

Having identified the ills plaguing society and polity, she sought to underline the need for every Indian to walk hand-in-hand to put the country back on the track to progress and development.

Recalling the "do-or-die'' call given by Mahatma Gandhi on this day 60 years ago, she said: "The Congress faced several difficulties, but we never stopped, never compromised on our principles, and never changed our path''. Further, in her opinion, politics ought to follow "a definite ideology and principles''.

Pointing to the cynicism that has set in among the youth and their taking to wrong ways because of the `poor leadership' being provided to the country, she made out a strong case for politicians to improve their own behaviour.

She took a dig at the current coalition arrangement at the Centre by calling it an "unholy alliance''. According to her, the aim of politics should not only be to gain power, but to serve the nation. "On this occasion, when we remember our freedom fighters, we should consider where we are leading the nation and what we are leaving behind for the coming generations.''

Also present were senior party leaders — Arjun Singh, Natwar Singh, Oscar Fernandes, Mohsina Kidwai and Moti Lal Vora — and the Delhi Chief Minister, Sheila Dixit, besides a number of party workers.

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