Paoni (Maharashtra): Congress President and UPA (United Progressive Alliance) Chairperson Sonia Gandhi today (Oct 4, 2004) promised to do justice to the backward region of Vidarbha saying "it is not a mere election promise but a firm commitment from Congress to do justice."

"Congress is aware of the problems and sentiments of people of Vidarbha and our party in the Government in Maharashtra has already given a package for carrying out developmental activities," Gandhi told a mammoth election meeting in this tribal belt in eastern Maharashtra.

Referring to the pending Gosikhurd irrigation project, she said the UPA Government at the Centre will soon initiate the process to complete the project, which will bring a green revolution in the area.

The international passengers' and cargos' multi-model hub in Nagpur is being developed and the Government has already set up a nodal agency Maharashtra Airport Development Company (MADC) for the same, Gandhi told the meeting in Paoni, which falls under Lakhandur Assembly constituency where sitting Congress MLA Nanabhau Patole is contesting again.

Gandhi said in 1999, Congress and NCP (Nationalist Congress Party) fought election separately but came to power leaving behind the Shiv Sena-BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party) combined.

"This time, Congress-NCP-RPI alliance will dish out an excellent performance since we are fighting together and there would be no division of votes," she said adding, "We have come out with joint election manifesto and are also campaigning together to ensure that the alliance retains power."