Sonia Gandhi tightlipped on Maha housing scam

New Delhi, Nov 2: With all eyes on the AICC meet in the wake of the latest scam to hit the party - the Maharashra Adarsh Housing Society Scam, Congress President Sonia Gandhi tactfully steered clear of all the scams in her address at the Nov 2 meet.

Addressing the AICC meeting on Tuesday, Nov 2, Sonia Gandhi spoke on matters such as the Kashmir crisis, Naxalism, 26/11 terror attacks, and Ayodhya verdict, but chose to stay tightlipped on the Housing Scam that has hit the ruling Maharashtra unit of the Congress.

Over the past days Congress has come under the scanner over the alleged involvement of Maharashtra Chief Minister Ashok Chavan in tainted allotments of apartments in South Mumbai housing society.

This was the latest scandal to hit Congress, which in the recent times has also battled the public anger against the scandal marred-Commonwealth Games 2010.

The Congress supremo, however, stayed mum on both these issues during the party's 125th anniversary, where the celebratory mood was evidently burdened by the controversies.

What Sonia did speak about...

Speaking on Kashmir, Sonia Gandhi expressed anguish over the loss of so many young lives.

"Our sorrow for those who died does not diminish our gratitude for our security personnel who are confronted with most difficult and delicate situations. We need meaningful political dialogue with all shades and regions of Jammu and Kashmir. I urge all those who are dissatisfied in J&K with the government to trust the government, give peace a chance and enable us to build a future for them," she said.

Raising concern over the Left-wing extremism, Sonia said, "Naxalism or left-wing extremism is a serious internal security threat. We have maintained that police action is necessary but greater emphasis is essential on economic issues. There must be greater sensitivity for daily concerns of tribals living there."

Commenting on the Ayodhya verdict, the Congress boss said, "The judgement in no way - in no way- condones the demolition of the Babri Masjid on December 6, 1992. This was shameful - a criminal act - for which the perpetrators must be brought to justice."

On the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, "It will soon be 2 years since brutal attacks in Mumbai. Those responsible for this ghastly tragedy must be brought to justice. The terrorist threat is real and constant, we will never relax our vigil.
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Mahi