National

Coalition not at the cost of Congress revival: AICC

NEW DELHI: While the Congress President, Sonia Gandhi, asserted that the Congress could not lose its political space in trying to maintain a balance in coalition governance, the All India Congress Committee resolution stated that “such a coalition cannot be at the cost of revival of the Congress particularly in the States where its base had eroded.”

While recognising that the Congress has had to adjust and adapt to coalition at the Centre, the omnibus resolution said that in the long-term, there was no alternative to a revived Congress coming to power on its own.

“The Congress is the only political party that has a national vision and perspective while retaining sensitivity to regional and local sentiments. It is the only pan-Indian party that represents all sections of our diverse society.”

While appreciating the disciplined manner in which the Congress functioned in a coalition, the resolution expressed the hope that the same spirit would be reciprocated by all its allies and partners.

“Difference in views and perspectives are inevitable and the sign of a healthy democracy. [But] The essence of managing a coalition cohesively calls for give and take, compromise and consensus, which, once arrived at, has to be implemented.”

Appreciating the UPA allies and partners for working with the Congress to give a new dimension to the politics and economics of the country since May 2004, the AICC resolution expressed confidence that the partnership would consolidate itself.

Several delegates said the party must aspire for a two-thirds majority in the Parliament to enable Rahul Gandhi to deliver the goods.

Peter Alphose of Tamil Nadu urged Ms. Gandhi to get back Congress’ political space in the States. “Regionalise the Congress party and the organisation,” he said.

© Copyright 2000 - 2009 The Hindu