Vasai, April 26: After Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's remarks that independents were "spoilers", Congress President Sonia Gandhi today appealed to the people not to vote for such candidates in the Lok Sabha elections. "Do not vote here and there. Do not vote for independents," Sonia said while addressing an election rally here. The Prime Minister in Mumbai had earlier this month said that the independents contesting the elections were "spoilers". "Terror forces are raising their head in our neighbourhood and the world is in the midst of a slowdown. Only a government with vision and determination can tackle such crisis. Only Congress can give such government," she said. Thanking people for ending the "dark age" of BJP-Sena combine which wanted to end "our centuries-old tradition of brotherhood and secularism," Sonia said, "some people do not like others living in harmony but we are not bothered about them." Lauding the courage shown by people after the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, Sonia said, "the countrymen are united in fighting terror forces from within and outside which want to break the country." It was the tough posturing and pressure of the Congress-led UPA government which forced Pakistan to admit that the 26/11 terrorists were from their country, she said. Without naming the Raj Thackeray-led MNS and its campaign against north Indian migrants, Sonia said, "people come here (Maharashtra) from all corners of the country and live together." "But some people don't like this. We are not bothered about such elements," she said. Highlighting the initiatives of the UPA government like NREGA, pension scheme for unorganised labourers, Rs 65,000 farm loan waiver and petrol price cuts, the UPA Chairperson said, "every step of ours has been to boost brotherhood and unity in the country." "Congress does not make hollow promises. Our work speaks for itself. In the last five years, we have fulfilled our promises and in the next five years, we will move ahead further," she said. "The country needs a strong and stable government and not a government which is only engrossed in attempts to retain power," Sonia said. "Only Congress can provide such a government," Sonia, who is in her third leg of campaign in Maharashtra during the ongoing Lok Sabha elections, said. "You gave us a chance in 2004 and we fulfilled your hopes and expectations," the Congress president said. Ahead of the first phase of polling on April 16 for 10 seats in Vidarbha and three in Marathwada regions, the Congress president addressed four public meetings. Before the second phase in 25 seats on April 23, Sonia addressed rallies in Dhule district, Jalna and Pune. Six constituencies in Mumbai and four in Thane district will go for polls in the last phase in the state on April 30. State Chief Minister Ashok Chavan, MPCC chief Manikrao Thakre and Industry Minister Narayan Rane also addressed the meeting. AICC general secretary Ghulam Nabi Azad was also present. source : Zee News
