Sheila works overtime to make FDI rally a success

To make the November 4 rally in support of Foreign Direct Investment in retail a success, Delhi CM Sheila Dikshit has instructed all ministers, MLAs, councillors, and block-level workers to ensure the presence of at least one lakh people on that day. HT reports.

To make the November 4 rally in support of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in retail a success, Delhi chief minister Sheila Dikshit has instructed all ministers, MLAs, councillors, and block-level workers to ensure the presence of at least one lakh people on that day.

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Dikshit on Thursday reviewed preparations for the rally, which will be addressed by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Congress president Sonia Gandhi.

The Congress is expected to use the rally to counter the Opposition on a range of issues, including FDI in multi-brand retail.

Dikshit directed all the MLAs to ensure the presence of at least 2,500 people from their respective constituencies. She told them that their contribution will be monitored keeping in mind the Assembly elections next year.

The All India Congress Committee (AICC) has entrusted Dikshit the task of making the rally a success.

Delhi Pradesh Congress Committee president JP Aggarwal was not present at the meeting. Congress Legislature Party spokesperson Mukesh Sharma said Aggarwal was invited.

The rally, to be held at Ramlila Grounds, will be addressed by Rahul Gandhi as well. Chief ministers of all Congress-ruled states and senior leaders from the organization and the government are expected to be present.

“The Delhi chief minister has asked all the MPs, MLAs, councillors, Congress leaders and block level workers to work hard to make the rally a success,” said Sharma.

Three party MPs from the city — Sandeep Dikshit, Mahabal Mishra and Ramesh Kumar — were present in the meeting.

Sharma said various committees will be set up to look after departments such as transportation, food, reception etc. “All block Congress presidents and secretaries have been told to organise corner meetings to encourage people to participate in the rally,” added Sharma.