New Delhi: Battling perception of policy paralysis, Congress President Sonia Gandhi on Tuesday acknowledged that the ruling alliance can earn another mandate only on the basis of its actions in coming two years and not promises.
Speaking to allies at a dinner to mark the completion of three years of UPA-II, she accused the opposition of being aggressive and making irresponsible statements.
"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," Gandhi said in her brief address.
She said since UPA took charge of the government, India has been advancing on the growth map in a sustained manner because of which it has been able to provide money for projects of social and rural development.
"Because of this the Centre has been able to give that kind of financial assistance to the state government which was never seen earlier," Gandhi said, adding that the government has to sustain the momentum of this development.
Commenting on the political scenario in the country,Gandhi said "in last one year we have faced several difficulties, have faced several storms in Parliament as well as outside it. But we have always shown our determination and collective goal.
"We have stood firmly on the priorities of our government. We have been fully aware of the expectations of the countrymen and the task they have given us."
The UPA Chairperson said that the ruling alliance's focus was to initiate "a political system based on transparency and responsibility."
Gandhi acknowledged the notion that there are several challenges for India's development but ruled out any scope for disappointment.
"Now a days there is a notion that there are several challenges for India's development. Definitely it is a tough period for all the countries and we are not an exception. But there is no scope for disappointment," she said.
"We are together in ensuring the positive economic growth rate of the country," Gandhi said. The Congress president said the UPA-II has made significant achievements and will not let anyone undermine it. "During UPA-I whatever commitments we made, we have put in more efforts to take them forward," she said, listing out the flagship initiatives taken by the UPA.
"MGNREGA has become an instrument of more effective changes in the area of generation of rural employment. In the unorganised sector there is an expansion of the employment generation and insurance of the labour employed there," Gandhi said.
Talking about the future programmes of the alliance, 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."
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 UPA Chairperson 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."
She said the UPA-II was committed in securing the secular values of the country and vowed to remove the problems of women and weaker sections of society.
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