Seeking to temper the discourse on Pakistan in the wake of the beheading of an Indian soldier, Rahul Gandhi on Saturday made some plain speaking saying taking tough steps and showing emotions are two different things.
Mr Gandhi, who spoke in the sub-group on “India and the World” at the party’s brain-storming conclave here, is believed to have told the participants that while tough steps are taken in some situations, decisions cannot be guided by emotions, sources said.
“We should take tough steps but not be emotional in our response,” he said as the majority of participants sought strict action against Pakistan.
Interestingly, external affairs minister Salman Khurshid, who also participated in the discussion, advocated “balance” in dealing with such provocative situations.
He pointed out that India conducts its diplomacy in such a way that it maintains friendly relationships with countries, which are sworn enemies between themselves.
The discussion in the sub-group witnessed participation of a large number of delegates from Youth Congress and NSUI.
Party spokesperson Rashid Alvi advocated strong action against Pakistan after the beheading of the Indian soldiers and felt that the party’s base document for discussing the issue was “mild” in tone.
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Babbar gives socialism touch
Narayan Bareth
Jaipur, Jan. 19
The participants at the Congress chintan shivir discussed varied issues, ranging from women’s empowerment, social media to Naxal problem.
Congress MP Raj Babbar gave a touch of socialism in the discussions saying issues related to poor and down-trodden were widely covered in group talks. He said what came under discussion was part of the party’s principle and commitment to socialism.
“Gandhi and Nehru both propounded socialism and it added to the preamble of India’s Constitution,” Mr Babbar said. “What we discussed here was centred on welfare and empowerment of SC/ST, minority and the weaker section of the society, that is part of socialism,” he said.