Date:01/11/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/11/01/stories/2006110108430400.htm

Karnataka - Bangalore

Indira Gandhi's services recalled

Staff Reporter

Congress also observes birth anniversary of Vallabhbhai Patel

Bangalore: Several party leaders, office-bearers of the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee and a large number of party workers on Tuesday paid tributes to the services rendered to the nation by the former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and recalled the welfare measures she introduced for the uplift of Dalits, minorities and the poor.

Addressing party workers at a function here to mark Indira Gandhi's 22nd death anniversary, KPCC president M. Mallikarjun Kharge said that she had been totally committed to the removal of poverty.

With the nationalisation of banks, she was able to help the poor get loans at lower rates of interest, and she succeeded in liberating them from the clutches of moneylenders.

The party also observed the 131st birth anniversary of the former Deputy Prime Minister Vallabhbhai Patel. Mr. Kharge recalled the yeoman service rendered by him in the political integration of the country.

He exhorted party men to emulate the ideals of the two leaders and serve the people of the country.

Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Assembly N. Dharam Singh, the former Railway Minister C.K. Jaffer Sharief, the former Ministers Harnahalli Ramaswamy, Motamma and D.B. Chandre Gowda and H. Hanumanthappa, former MP, were present.