Country in critical phase: Sonia

Launching a veiled attack on the Modi government, Congress president Sonia Gandhi on Saturday said the country was passing through a “critical phase” as those in power are “spreading hatred” by targeting secularism as she underscored the need to bring together people from diverse backgrounds to fight it.

Gandhi made the remarks in her written message to attendees of the National Integration Conference organised by Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind here. “As you know, the country is passing through a critical phase. Powers that be are spreading hatred across the country. Especially, secularism is being targeted. It is a matter of concern.

“In such a situation, it is an important work to bring together people forgetting their religion, caste, colour and race,” senior Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad quoted Gandhi as saying in the message.

Gandhi lauded the role played by Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind in this regard and for its contribution to the country's freedom struggle along with Congress. “In current circumstances, Jamiat has again taken an important step. I pray for this step taken by Jamiat for country’s unity and integrity and hope its efforts will bring good results.”

Besides Azad, the conference was attended by Mani Shankar Aiyar, Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind president Syed Arshad Madani, Muslim clerics and Christian, Buddhist and Sikh community leaders from various parts of the country.