The Congress president was overbearing in her style when she said that Congress will not give away its own political space while practicing coalition politics.
Her speech in Hindi found more appreciation by her party men than her speech in English. Sonia got thunderous applause when she said, Party sabse upar hai. Party se upar koi neta nahin, koi gut nahin (Party is supreme, no leader or group is above it.)
Without mentioning party leaders like Mani Shanker Aiyar and some Tamil leaders who have been quite outspoken, Sonia said Congress being a democratic organisation allows debate on issues, but once party declares the policy it should be binding to all. She said nobody should give opinion contrary to party line.
Sonia also observed that 'Gandhian ideals were under threat in the country.' She alleged that secularism was under threat in the states ruled by the saffron party.
While talking about Gujarat, the Congress president said: "Gujarat riots are the darkest chapter in post-Independence India. The Congress condemns the cult of arm cadre and culture of violence."
"Unlike the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance our party does not play partisan politics," she said.
Image: Congress president Sonia Gandhi being garlanded by senior party members at the AICC meeting.
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