Sonia Gandhi: People will judge UPA on the basis of works done, not promises

Congress President and UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi while speaking to allies at a dinner to mark the completion of three years of UPA-II on Tuesday acknowledged that the UPA can secure another mandate only on the basis of the works done by it and not promises.

"We are aware that only two years are left when we will be seeking a new mandate from the people. We are fully aware that the result of that will not depend on our promises but on the nature of work done by us," she said.

“We could introduce a new social concept and could give a new direction,” she said while starting her address. "UPA-II worked for the all sections of the society. Our Prime Minister explained our achievements in detail and so I will mention only about some of the points" added Sonia Gandhi.

Attacking the opposition as aggressive and irresponsible Sonia Gandhi said, “The opposition has been making very aggressive and irresponsible statements against us. But we were committed to our social service. We are focussed on progressive politics. We have always maintained etiquette and we know that we have a mandate to fulfill and we will do that. We have been trying to fulfill the expectations of the people who had reposed their faith on us,"

"I know these are difficult times but this is no reason to feel depressed. We faced a lot of challenges in the last year inside and outside the Parliament,” she added.

Sonia Gandhi continued, “The achievement of UPA 2 is unique. MNREGA became more effective in UPA 2 while there was expansion of health insurance. It also helped the people in the unorganised sectors. The farming sector also became much more organized. Loans to farmers have been increased,” the UPA chairperson said.

“We are determined to remove the difficulties of women and the economically weaker section. We are united to progress economically,” Sonia Gandhi said.

Talking about the future programmes of UPA, such as Ajivika, she said, "It will give boost to the efforts of the self help groups engaged in areas of women empowerment. Maternal security programmes have made their special impact."

Sonia Gandhi added that the assured government purchases will encourage the business of tribal and backward people in the country. On the new schemes launched in the field of education, the Congress President said, "These have given a new opportunity for empowering the backwards in real terms."

Expressing hope for a better future for farmers and labourers, she said, "The funds given to the farmers have become stronger and programmes like Aadhar will help in ensuring more benefits to the poor people."