Even as the Congress and NCP have to strike a seat-sharing agreement for the October 13 elections in the Maharshtra Legislative Assembly, the Congress party chief Sonia Gandhi kicked off her party?s campaign. She exhorted party workers to reach out to the people with renewed vigour. Sonia reaffirmed her party?s irrevocable commitment to protecting the interests of ?aam admi?, who has been the focus of the Congress? policies and programmes so far.
?Your enthusiasm and vigour gives me confidence that the Congress will emerge victorious in Maharashtra Assembly elections once again,? Sonia said in her speech at the inauguration of the newly renovated Mumbai Congress headquarters.
?You deserve kudos for ensuring that the fruits of the policies and programmes of our government in the state reached the targeted beneficiaries,? she said.
Gandhi hoped the party workers will keep the flag flying in the Assembly polls.
Sonia?s short visit has given a much needed boost to the party workers who are not yet sure whether or not to go solo in the Assembly elections. The Congress is worried over division in traditional votes as the Third Front comprising various factions of Republican Party of India, Peasants and Workers Party and Left parties have already launched their election campaign. The Third Front, which is contesting all 288 seats, may eat into Congress party?s votes.
Besides, Congress leaders and workers are apprehensive about the role of the NCP if both arrived at seat- sharing formula. A Congress insider hoped that the NCP may truly remain committed to the alliance and doesn?t do favours to independents or third force. The Congress? austerity drive received a giant push as Sonia flew on an economy-class ticket from Delhi to Mumbai.