Sonia Gandhi says decision on Rahul final, hits out at BJP

Hardsells UPA's achievements, says upcoming elections a battle of ideologies

Addressing the AICC meet, Sonia Gandhi today said that the CWC decision on Rahul is final.

"The CWC had taken a decision on Rahul Gandhi yesterday. And that is final," she said in significant remarks before she began her formal speech as delegates demanded that the Congress Vice President be anointed PM candidate.

A Congress Working Committee (CWC) resolution yesterday refrained from naming Rahul Gandhi as the PM candidate in the run-up to the Lok Sabha election. It, however, said that Rahul would lead the party’s campaign for the polls.

Hardselling UPA's achievements, Gandhi said that MNREGA, RTI, LokPal and Lokayukta, Right to education initiatives have transformed the lives of many Indians.

She said the 2014 Lok Sabha elections will be "a battle for India" and its secular traditions. "We assemble here as the 2014 Lok Sabha elections approach. We meet today to send a clear signal that the Congress is ready and prepared for the battle ahead."

Saying that the upcoming elections are a battle of conflicting ideologies, she hit out at the BJP directly, calling them divisive, communal and prone to inciting violence.

"Communal forces a great danger to our nation. Divisive forces are stretching social fabric to the breaking point, but Congress believes in uniting the nation," said Gandhi. "Opposition's way is to spread disharmony. There's a face hidden behind the mask of compassion and we will face upcoming challenges with a lot of determination."

Rahul Gandhi is expected to speak in a few hours clarifying his position on leadership ahead of the May 2014 elections. 

Taking the stage, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said while Assembly poll results were a setback for the party, Congress can win if it publicises its achievements to the people. Highlighting the achievements of the UPA, Singh blamed the policy paralysis on the CAG, saying that govt delayed decisions fearing that CAG may raise questions.

Calling Rahul a progressive leader, he said Congress can scale new heights under his leadership. "If we work hard and tell people what we have done, we can win and any victory in 2014 will be Rahul Gandhi's victory," said Singh.

On Opposition, he said that it was making promises that can't be fullfilled and Congress must convey that to the masses.

He also said that the Congress had always worked towards bringing transparency.