Mahatma’s soul would be pained: Sonia

Says only Congress has followed Gandhi’s path

New Delhi, Oct. 2: Congress president Sonia Gandhi on Wednesday said those thirsty for power, those who consider themselves supreme and indulge in the politics of falsehood cannot understand Mahatma Gandhi’s ideals of truth, self rule and selfless service. In what appeared to be a swipe at the present BJP leadership, Mrs Gandhi told party workers and leaders at Rajghat that the Mahatma’s soul would be pained by what has been happening in India in the last few years.

On the Mahatma’s 150th birth anniversary, Mrs Gandhi also participated in the oath that Congress workers took to achieve the India of his dreams by keeping faith in constitutional values.

“How can those who pursue the politics of falsehood understand that Gandhiji was the worshipper of truth? How can those who can do anything for power understand that Gandhiji was a worshipper of non-violence? How can those thirsty for power understand the meaning of Gandhiji's Swaraj? Those who claim to be supreme at the first opportunity, how can they understand the value of selfless service of Gandhiji” Mrs Gandhi asked while attacking those in power.

Addressing the gathering in Hindi, she said only the Congress has followed the path of Gandhi and has provided jobs, education and facilities to farmers, accomplishments

which are unparalleled, no matter what others might claim.

Terming it a historic, pious and auspicious day, the Congress chief described Gandhi as a “great personality” who inspired not only India but the entire world to adopt the path of non violence and ‘satyagraha’.

She said all are proud that India has attained its present status following the path shown by the Mahatma, noting that it is easy to cite Gandhi’s name but difficult to follow the path shown by him.

Mrs Gandhi said there has never been any dearth of those who tried to distract —PTI