Projecting the Congress as the hope for the people's future, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Sunday said his government has worked for betterment of millions, ensured inclusive growth despite a global economic crisis and
responded "purposively" and with "speed" to terror attacks.
Singh, who sent a message to the Congress' conclave of district and block presidents here as he is recuperating from
his bypass surgery, asked party cadres to carry the government's accomplishments to the voters to meet the "political challenge that lies ahead".
He said the party and the government, under the "guidance" of "our beloved" leader Sonia Gandhi, had worked single-mindedly over the last five years to fulfill the aspirations of a young, progressive and resurgent India.
"We can tell the people with confidence and conviction that Congress represents hope for their future," said Singh in
his message that was read out by Minister of State in the PMO, Prithviraj Chavan.
"We have remained steadfast and resolute in upholding the values of our Republic and our core national interests. We
have responded purposively and with speed to terrorist attacks on our nation and our values," he said.
Noting that the world was going through an "economic upheaval", Singh said, however, "we remain on the path of
inclusive economic growth." The Prime Minister said his government had "tried to fulfill all promises that we made to the people in 2004".
He said "each of the government's flagship programmes and policy initiatives have helped to better the lives of the millions" who live on the margins.
"Although I am unable to be physically present on this important occasion, my thoughts are with you as I think of the
political challenge that lies ahead," Singh said in his message to the conclave of Congress cadres.
"With elections round the corner, you are once again called upon to carry our party's message and the government's
accomplishments to each and every voter throughout the country," he told the party workers and expressed confidence
that their efforts would prevail.
He spoke about his desire to build a progressive, just, secure and happy India as envisioned by Father of the Nation Mahatma Gandhi, first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi. He asked the party cadres to carry the message of Sonia Gandhi to "every hut and hamlet" in the country.
