New Delhi, Oct 18 (UNI) Observing that Indian Democracy is passing through its 'most tumultuous times', Congress president Sonia Gandhi on Sunday called on party leaders to wage struggle for the cause of people and not let the BJP government succeed in its 'anti Democratic and anti National designs'.

Addressing a meeting of newly appointed AICC General Secretaries and state-incharges, Mrs Gandhi said, 'our Democracy is passing through its most tumultuous times. There is a designed attack on our Constitution and our democratic traditions. Our country is ruled by a Government, which is systematically bartering the interests of our citizens at the altar of profiteering by handful of Crony Capitalists.

Lives and livelihoods of crores of farm laborers, lease hold farmers, small and marginal farmers, toiling laborers and small shopkeepers are under attack. It is our solemn duty to join hands to defeat this sinister conspiracy.
Persistent and determined struggle for the cause of people is the heart and soul of Indian National Congress. I am confident that all of you would toil hard and stand up to the forces attacking India and its people. Let us join hands to defeat the anti-democracy and autocratic designs of the ruling BJP. '

Accusing the NDA government of mishandling of the Covid pandemic, Mrs Gandhi said, 'the country was pushed into the abyss of Corona pandemic by sheer ineptitude and mismanagement of Modi Government. All this happened as we witnessed the biggest unplanned, unmanaged and cruel migration of crores of migrant laborers as Government remained a mute spectator to their miseries.

The stark truth is that a Prime Minister, who promised to defeat Corona within 21 days, has abdicated his and his Government’s responsibility towards the citizens. There is neither a plan nor strategic thinking, solution or way ahead in the fight against Corona.'

Attacking the BJP government on the severe downturn in the economy, the Congress president said, 'BJP Government has simultaneously demolished our economy, built painstakingly by the hard work of fellow Indians and the vision of successive Congress Governments. Never has the country witnessed such a free-fall in GDP as also all other economic indices. Today, the young have no jobs.

Nearly 14 Crore jobs have been lost. Small and Medium businesses, small shopkeepers and other small enterprises are shutting at an unprecedented pace, yet an uncaring Government remains a mute spectator. So much so, Government of India is now failing to honor even its Constitutional responsibilities. The share of GST compensation is being denied to the States. How will the State Governments help our people, if GOI was to renege on its Constitutional obligations? This must be a first example of economic anarchy being spread by the Central Government.'

Slamming the government over attacks on dalits and crimes against women, 'Atrocities on Dalits have reached a new zenith. Instead of honoring the law and granting adequate protection to India’s daughters, BJP governments are siding with the criminals. The voice of oppressed families is being suppressed by the agencies of the State. Is this the new ‘Raj Dharma’?'
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