BJP 'betrayed' freedom struggle: Sonia Gandhi

Saffron leaders also levelled false allegations against the pioneers of the movement, the Congress chief said.

Sharpening her attack on BJP, Congress President Sonia Gandhi on Thursday accused the saffron leaders of "betraying" the freedom struggle and levelling false allegations against the pioneers of the movement.

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"Congress was born to launch freedom struggle against imperialist forces. Ironically, the leadership of BJP's forerunner then had sinister designs and was bent upon sabotaging the freedom struggle," she alleged addressing a massive election meeting at Sunam near here.

"No one in the Atal Bihari Vajpayee government had participated in the freedom struggle and crusades there after to lay the foundation for a strong and prosperous India," Gandhi alleged.

Recalling the supreme sacrifices of Punjabis in the freedom struggle and border conflicts, she said the entire nation was proud of their dedication and devotion in nation building.

"For Congress, securing power does not mean enjoying its fruits. For us it is a means to serve the people with dedication and devotion. Coming to power after independence, the Congress worked for the uplift of Dalits, down trodden and weaker sections of the society," Gandhi said. It was Congress which gave reservation for Dalits in jobs.

Without naming BSP, the Congress chief said "those who claim to be championing the cause of Dalits are now playing into the hands of BJP which is known for anti-Dalit attitude."