NEW DELHI: Newly elected Congress party members of parliament (MPs) on Tuesday nominated last term prime minister, Manmohan Singh to lead the party again in the Lok Sabha, India’s lower house of parliament, and form new government
Earlier, MPs unanimously elected Congress President Sonia Gandhi as chairperson of the party, who in turn nominated 76-year old Singh as head of next government. Hailing his “dignified, determined and effective leadership of government” as “an inspiration for us all” that got overwhelming approval from the people, she said: “Let us all congratulate him and wish him well.”
Singh praised the “enterprise and ingenuity” of Rahul Gandhi and dedication and hard work of each and every member of Congress in achieving the “historic victory” which he said would usher in a “golden era” for the party. Singh warned the new mandate to Congress comes with the challenge of rising expectations, particularly of the youth. “They (youth) ... expect us to work with renewed energy. They expect a more responsive ... (and) efficient government,” he underlined.
Goals: Setting the agenda for the new government, Singh said every minister will be given time-bound targets to implement election promises and various programmes and he will undertake quarterly review of implementation of programmes by each ministry. He declared internal security as a “top most priority” and said his government will not be found wanting in remaining vigilant and effective in dealing with the threat of terrorism and extremism.
“Equally important is maintenance of communal harmony and peace” for which the centre will work closely with the state governments. He said the centre will also work with he state governments to ensure better implementation of the welfare schemes, specially the National Rural Employment Guarantee Act, National Rural Health Mission, Jawaharlal Nehru Urban Renewal Mission and programmes for the welfare of Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, other backward classes and minorities.
Describing the challenges before the nation as daunting, he set before him the goals of sustaining the growth rate of the last five years, reducing poverty, creating employment, accelerating rural development and industrialisation. Stressing that the election verdict is for inclusive growth, he set the growth process as socially and regionally inclusive and equitable as a priority. “Ensuring that people of all regions, all religions , all languages and castes benefit from growth will be a priority for us,” he added.
