AICC leaders will respond to those who have forgotten party
Bengaluru, Nov 19: Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar today hailed Indira Gandhi as a symbol of women power, patriotism and courage.
Speaking at an event organized at the KPCC office to celebrate the birth anniversary of Indira Gandhi, he said, “We are celebrating the birth anniversary of Iron Lady of India. Sonia Gandhi had asked me to develop the area around Indira Gandhi’s tomb. She had also asked us to develop the Raji Gandhi tomb at Sri Perambadur. We had the pleasure of laying the granite from our quarry there.”
“It was Indira Gandhi who launched a 20-point programme to eradicate poverty. It was she who gave land to the tiller in the country. Lakhs of people in the state benefited from that. Nationalisation of bank was done by her. She started pollution control birds across the country. She is the one who introduced old age and widow pension,” he recalled.
Book on Indira Gandhi released
“Sonia Gandhi had penned a book on Indira Gandhi. I have got this book translated into Kannada and it was released today,” he said.
“Indira Gandhi was the finest and strongest leader of the last century. She had the courage to break Pakistan into two and create Bangladesh. Relationship of India was great when she was in power. Now, many of our neighbours are not with India,” he added.
Get ready for local body elections
“We have formed 369 wards under GBA and we will hold elections shortly. Along with, there would be elections for zilla and taluk panchayats. The ward reservation list would be released today,” he informed.
“We are planning laying foundation stone for 100 party offices in the state. AICC leaders have asked for a list of party leaders who did not actively participate in this. Delhi leaders will give them the right answer,” he said.
I had decided to quit the party post the day I became DCM
“I am not permanent in this post. I have completed 5.5 years, others need opportunity. I had decided to quit KPCC presidency the day I assumed office as DCM but Kharge and Raul Gandhi asked me to continue for some more time. I am doing my duty,” he said.
Q&A
Asked if he would continue in the party post, he said, “I will follow the party directions. I am only trying to leave a legacy behind. I am not the man who runs away. I will continue to fulfil my responsibilities for the post as long as Gandhi family and AICC President ask me to continue.”
