SHIMLA/DELHI: Presenting a united front ahead of constituting the council of ministers, Indian National Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge today 'preached' the “Gandhi Mantra of development and growth of nation" to the newly elected 40 Congress MLAs in New Delhi today.
After burning its finger in Goa, Manipur, Madhya Pradesh, Congress this time is acting with an utmost caution in Himachal Pradesh, where its “precious win” has come as a Sanjivini for the sagging fortunes of the party.
As there are many MLAs seeking “ministerial berths and posts in the new government, Congress President today sat face-to-face with them in Delhi and preached them the “Gandhi gospel of unity and development working for the poorest of poor in the hill state”.
Congress is facing a daunting task of keeping all “regional and caste equations and lobbies in balance” before constituting its team of ministers.
Congress seeks not to give any chance for defection and crossing the party-line.
Kharge urged all the party leaders to work for the people of the state unitedly and implement the promises made in the manifesto so that fruits of development could reach to the poorest of the poor.
Kharge congratulated Chief Minister, Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, PCC President Pratibha Singh and all the Congress MLAs for winning their Assembly seats and bringing Congress back to power in the state.
Kharge addressed the MLAs after Sukhu accompanied by Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri, Pratibha Singh and all newly elected Congress MLAs called on him in New Delhi ahead of constituting a council of ministers to put the Sukhu Government on a firm footing in the state.
Kharge lauded the hard work all the state leaders and congratulated Rajiv Shukla, party incharge of Himachal for monitoring the election campaign closely and effectively.
Kharge cited vision of senior Congress leadership Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi whose main focus is on the developmental agenda and growth of the nation.
Rajiv Shukla said Himachal Pradesh would witness a strong and stable government.
Chief Minister Sukhu thanked the party leadership for their visionary support which led to the victory of the Congress Party in elections.
He said that elections were contested on the public welfare issues which was the main focus of Congress ideology. All leaders worked hard to take this ideology up to grass root level, he added.
Sukhu assured that the new government will make all efforts to deliver the best service to the people by fulfilling the promises made. ukesh Agnihotri said now the new government will make best efforts to come up to the expectations of the people of the state.
Pratibha Singh said every party worker worked hard and it was a matter of pride that the party fought the election unitedly.
Senior Congress leader Sanjay Dutt, Co-in charge Himachal Pradesh, AICC Secretaries and senior Congress leaders were also present on the occasion.
Chief Minister also called on General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi and MP K.C. Venugopal to thank for their support and guidance and steering the party towards victory in the assembly elections.
