Addressing a public meeting at the K R Puram Grounds in Bangalore, Sonia asserted that the State progressed well whenever the Congress was in power.

But in the last elections due to lack of majority the party joined hands with the JD(S). But the JD(S)-BJP coalition which followed was “power-hungry, corrupt, anti-democratic and anti-secular. As a result the State suffered a major set back.

Sonia assured that her party was committed to fulfill the promises made in the election manifesto such as giving rice at Rs 2 per kg and extending loans at subsidised rate of interest for SHGs.

Referring to achievements of Karnataka especially in IT and BT sector, Gandhi attributed its credit to the efforts of her husband and former Prime Minister late Rajiv Gandhi, who had a great dream to build the country.

Referring to achievements of the UPA government led by her party at the Centre, she said that Congress has waived farmers loans amounting to Rs 60,000 crore. The party has exhibited its commitment for the empowerment of women by tabling Women Reservation Bill in Rajya Sabha yesterday. UPA government has also taken measures to protect the interests of oppressed classes in the society and passed the Tribal Welfare Bill.
Sonia took a dig at the BJP for criticising the Congress on the security issue.

“The people who released terrorists from the jail and escorted them to the airport accuse us of having soft corner towards terrorists. The attacks on the Parliament and also the Akshara Dhama temple took place during the NDA period.”