http://www.hindu.com/2007/09/26/stories/2007092654710400.htm
New Delhi Future of Dalits safe under leadership of Sonia: DPCC chief Staff Reporter "Congress has always protected their interest" NEW DELHI: Delhi Pradesh Congress Committee president J. P. Agarwal on Tuesday said that Dalits had always extended unstinting support to the Congress and expressed confidence that the party would win the upcoming Delhi Assembly elections next year for the third time in a row riding on their support. Addressing a convention at Rajiv Bhavan here, Mr. Agarwal said his party had always protected the interests of the Dalits and the community in return had reposed full faith in the party for its efforts towards their growth and uplift. He said the Delhi Government had been taking new initiatives for their welfare and the efforts had helped a great deal in protecting the interests of the community. "The future of Dalits is safe under the dynamic leadership of Congress president Sonia Gandhi and the dreams of Father of the Nation Mahatama Gandhi and Bharat Ratna B. R. Ambedkar will be realised under her stewardship," said Mr. Agarwal. Hailing the appointment of Rahul Gandhi as All-India Congress Committee general secretary, Mr. Agarwal hoped that his young and dynamic leadership would help the Congress grow. Senior party leader Yogendra Makwana exhorted the Dalits to unite under the Congress flag and fight for their own uplift and betterment of the country as a whole. "The Congress alone can serve the community well and help it accomplish its objectives." Karol Bagh MP Krishna Tirath claimed that the party had been working tirelessly to provide food, shelter and employment to the community and the efforts had brought about visible changes in the condition of the community. AICC Scheduled Castes department chairman Lal Chand Chandelia said Ms. Gandhi had laid much emphasis on improving the lot of the poor and downtrodden and the community would continue to strengthen her hands by extending firm support to the party.
