Sonia promises stable Govt, bright future for India

Sonia Gandhi said the electoral verdict was a rejection of Sangh Parivar ideology and promised to provide a strong and stable Govt.

Sonia Gandhi, who was on Saturday elected leader of the Congress Parliamentary Party and will shortly be Prime Minister, said the electoral verdict was a rejection of the Sangh Parivar ideology and the "self-serving" policies of the BJP-led NDA Government and promised to provide a strong and stable Government dedicated to promoting social harmony and peace.

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Addressing the CPP shortly after her election in the Central Hall of Parliament, Gandhi said "very shortly, a Congress-led coalition will be in place at the Centre" and though Congress would provide the pivot of the coalition, it would be their "earnest endeavour" to respect and work closely with the allies and partners.

"We will soon finalise a joint plan of action with them. This plan will outline our priorities, policies and programmes as one cohesive unit," she said.

Earlier her arrival at the hall was greeted with a thunderous applause and her election shortly later with even greater round of applause.

The election itself was a business like affair presided over by senior party leader Manmohan Singh who conducted it without her being present. Singh said another senior leader Pranab Mukherjee would propose Gandhi's name, which he did, eight other members seconded it.

In her brief speech, Gandhi thanked the members saying "you have honoured me by reposing your trust and faith in me. I feel deeply humbled. I feel greatly privileged.