Sonia takes on Opposition on economic reforms

On the issue of hike in diesel prices and cap on LPG cylinders, Sonia said "shouldn't the state governments also play their role in giving relief to people, when the Centre was doing it" and asked why Gujarat and other BJP ruled states were not taking cue from the Congress governments in states to reduce taxes like VAT.

"What happens is, that produce of farmers is bought at the possible cheapest rates and is sold in cities at highest possible price, I want to ask that isn't it the right of farmers to get right price for their produce," she said.

"Isn't it the right of a common man in city that they should get goods of daily use at right price...When will this be possible? Sonia asked.

"It can only be made possible when farmers are able to make their produce reach city without any intermediary...And this is the meaning of FDI," she claimed.

Gandhi said that Congress has always believed that unless farmers and villages prosper with the pace of development in urban areas, India cannot be termed a progressive country in real sense.

An important aspect of it (FDI) is that if chief minister of any state does not want to implement FDI, they are not bound for it, the Congress leader said.

"It is entirely on their own sweet will. Then I want to ask what is the necessity for so much commotion on the issue, and why is it necessary to mislead public over it....You please think over it," she said. (MORE)