Ahead of polls in states, Sonia Gandhi asks partymen to remain united

With the poll disaster in Bihar apparently weighing heavily on her mind, Congress president Sonia Gandhi today told partymen that there was no alternative to unity, hard work and discipline ahead of the assembly elections in five states in the new year.

"There is simply no alternative to unity, hard work and discipline. There is no place for complacency and taking anything for granted and hoping that from somewhere above, things will happen," Gandhi said concluding the two-day Congress plenary marking completion of 125 years of the party.

During the plenary, Gandhi has steered clear of the issue of alliances in the coming polls, which are due in West Bengal, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Assam and Puduchery.

It, however, saw some local leaders speaking against alliance with Trinamool Congress in West Bengal and DMK in TN.

Gandhi said the party will soon begin preparations to hold a 'Chintan Shivir' (brainstorming session) on the lines of the ones held in Pachmarhai and Shimla.

"We will soon begin the preparations for our Chintan Shivir", Gandhi said.

She had yesterday said that plans are afoot to hold such a brainstorming session in next few months which will give the party "an opportunity to refresh our perspectives on crucial national issues and also review the functioning of our organisation.

"It will be an occasion to hear the voices of our colleagues, particularly the younger ones, to bring new energy to our thinking," she had said.

Gandhi's announcement came at a time when the party is faced with a series of corruption allegations against the government and a crushing defeat in Bihar assembly polls.

She also announced a series of measures to galavanise the party in states both ruled by the Congress as well as those by the opposition parties.

Noting that complaints have been received about lack of coordination between the party and the government in many states, Gandhi said, "In states, where we are in power, the AICC will set up a coordination committee to ensure regular and close interaction between the government and the party organisations."

She said similar committees will also be established in Opposition-ruled states to bring about greater cohesion between the CLP and the party organisation.

The Congress president said the party will soon launch a 'Jan Jagaran Abhiayan' through out the country to inform the people about achievements of the UPA government and "expose BJP’s doublespeak".