Date:26/02/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/02/26/stories/2007022605541200.htm

National

Sonia's pat for Hooda Government

Special Correspondent

SIRSA: Congress president Sonia Gandhi on Sunday exhorted the Bhupinder Singh Hooda Government in Haryana to continue taking the State on the path of rapid development unmindful of "criticism."

Addressing a rally here to mark two years of completion of the Congress regime in Haryana, Ms. Gandhi gave the mantra: "Serve the people honestly and diligently and you will achieve success."

According to political observers, Ms. Gandhi's remarks are being seen as an indirect snub to former Chief Minister Bhajan Lal and his son Kuldeep Bishnoi, Congress MP from Bhiwani. Mr. Bhajan Lal and Mr. Bishnoi were conspicuous by their absence even though the latter's elder son Deputy Chief Minister Chander Mohan was present.

Virtually praising Mr. Hooda for implementing the Congress manifesto for the welfare of all sections of society, she said that all projects should be implemented not only at the ground level but also monitored effectively. Ms. Gandhi asserted that the UPA Government led by Dr. Manmohan Singh was not only mindful of the farmers' interests but was also committed to fully safeguarding them.

Mr. Hooda said interest would be waived off for those who had been unable to repay loans borrowed from Cooperative Banks for the last one year.

PTI reports

Ms. Gandhi asked the partymen to ignore criticism made by the Opposition.

Ms. Gandhi did not refer to the Bofors issue or the latest controversy relating to it at the rally. But, her statement assumes significance in view of Opposition's attempts to drag her name in the matter relating to Ottavio Quattrocchi.