Naxalism major challenge before Jharkhand: Sonia

"Non-violence is the only way to solve all problems. The Congress believes that problems can be solved peacefully and through dialogue," Gandhi said while addressing poll meetings in Dhanbad and Dumka.

This state (Jharkhand) has many challenges in hand with "naxalism being the foremost."
"There is no place for violence in democracy," she said, adding that youth have strayed away as they have been deprived of proper education and employment.

"The Congress would address problems of everybody," Gandhi said and promised welfare to all sections of the society, including tribals, dalits and backwards.

There would not be any displacement without proper rehabilitation, she said.
Appealing to the people to vote for the Congress/JVM-P to end political instability in the state, Gandhi, without naming anybody, said some groups had only served their own interests.

"Jharkhand needs a visionary leadership to change its fate. The UPA at the Centre has showed its leadership since 2004, and got the mandate again," she said.

The aspirations of the people of Jharkhand could not be fulfilled as the state has been witnessing political instability ever since it was created in 2000, Gandhi said.
"Only the Congress can bring stability and development".

Asking the people to be on guard against hollow promises by other political parties, Gandhi appealed them to vote only after a thorough assessment and claimed that the Congress was the only party which sincerely implemented all welfare projects.

Development has reached every corner of the country and it would also reach Jharkhand and the Congress, if voted to power, would ensure implementation of progressive schemes in the state, she said.

Quoting Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's recent statement that the country's progress and development of tribals was inter-linked, Gandhi said the Congress was committed for tribal welfare.

The AICC president said the UPA government has decision to provide 50 per cent reservation for women at panchayat level.

Gandhi said the state administration had ensured jobs for nine lakh families under NREGA, distribution of BPL cards and setting up of 'Suvidha kendras' (ration shops).