People living in constant fear, minorities brutalised: Sonia Gandhi attacks PM Modi in Chintan Shivir address

Congress interim president Sonia Gandhi kick-started the three-day brainstorming session of the party -- Chintan Shivir -- being held in Rajasthan's Udaipur with scathing criticism of the BJP and PM Modi, accusing the ruling government of creating an atmosphere of polarisation and fear in the country.

She said, "By now it has become abundantly and painfully clear what PM Modi and his colleagues really mean by their slogan 'Maximum governance, minimum government'. It means keeping the country in a permanent state of polarisation, compelling people to live in a constant state of fear and insecurity, viciously targeting victimizing and often brutalising minorities who're an integral part of our society and equal citizens of our Republic."

Hitting out at the government over their “diversionary tactics”, Sonia Gandhi said, “The fires of hatred that are being ignited have taken a heavy toll on the lives of people. This is having serious social consequencesmuch more serious then we can imagine.”

Sonia Gandhi said that the Congress has to “combat this growing virus of divisiveness”.

'Nav Sankalp Chintan Shivir' gives us an opportunity to discuss amongst us the numerous challenges that the country is facing as a result of the policies of the BJP, RSS and its affiliates," she added.

Congress Chintan Shivir

The Congress's Chintan Shivir is being held in Udaipur on May 13, 14 and 15. The main focus of the brainstorming session will be strengthening the party ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha polls.

Addressing the session on Friday, Sonia Gandhi said that the Chintan Shivir” is an opportunity to discuss both national issues and do meaningful self”- introspection.

Talking about the party, Sonia Gandhi said, “Changes in organisation are need of the hour, we need to change the way of our working.”

“We have to keep organisation above personal ambitions, the party has given us a lot and it is time to pay back,” Sonia Gandhi told party members.

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