Shillong: Asserting that the northeast was
"crucial to the very definition of India", Congress president
Sonia Gandhi on Friday said the region had a crucial role to play
in the growth and development of the country.
"The rich culture and treasure houses of the northeast
are a matter of pride for the country. Apart from being
critical to our ecology, the region is crucial to the very
definition of India," Gandhi told a public meeting marking the
125th anniversary of the Indian National Congress here.
Lauding the potential of the states in the region, she
said it was not possible for the country to move forward
without the full support of the region.
Stating that each state in the region had its own need
and were confronting their own set of challenges, Gandhi said
the UPA government was aware of the need for investing more in
the northeast.
Claiming that the Congress derived its strength and
support from every section of society, Gandhi said that it had
rejected politics which divided society in the name of caste,
region, religion and community.
"We have a larger vision of politics. Our leaders have
sacrificed their lives for the sanctity and integrity of the
country. Congress is the only party that can support each and
every section of the society and identify concerns of all. We
respect the varied diversity of the country," she added.
PTI
First Published: Friday, March 05, 2010, 19:38