The Hindu : CWC finalises draft of Shimla resolution

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Wednesday, Jul 09, 2003

National

National

CWC finalises draft of Shimla resolution

By Our Special Correspondent

SHIMLA JULY 8. The Congress Working Committee (CWC) tonight finalised the draft of the Shimla resolve that will be made public by the party president, Sonia Gandhi, tomorrow at the concluding session of the three-day conclave.

The resolve is likely to reflect the party's concerns on issues ranging from its readiness to forge pre and post poll alliances to issues such as the empowerment of the socially disadvantaged, a reiteration of the party's position on Ayodhya and the WTO.

On Ayodhya, the resolve is expected to reiterate the party's position that courts adjudicate the dispute, and even if there is a negotiated settlement it should be endorsed by courts. As far as Kashi and Mathura are concerned, the sankalp is likely to assert that it supports the Places of Worship Act, which calls for the maintenance of status quo on all places of worship as on August 15, 1947.

The resolve will vigorously reaffirm the party's commitment to secularism. It will project the party as the torchbearer of secularism as opposed to the ``obscurantist and divisive'' policies of the BJP. The resolve is likely to be a step forward from Pachmarhi on the question of alliances and coalitions. "It is reflective of the ground realities and a objective recognition of the political situation," a CWC member said.

On economic issues the resolve will seek to reflect the party's attempt to reposition its stand. Besides endorsing its new slogan of ``Congress ka haath garibo saath'', it will also list a series of measures, which it expects the Government to take on issues such as the WTO, more attention to the Khet Mazoors and the rural sector.

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

National