Yavatmal (Maharashtra): Congress President Sonia Gandhi today (Oct 5, 2004) lashed out at the previous Shiv Sena-BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party) alliance Government in Maharashtra for 'ill governance and injustices' to the poor and backward section of society during their rule, saying they were rightly dethroned as people were fed up with them.

Addressing a mammoth election rally at Postal Ground in Yavatmale on the second day of her Vidarbha tour, Gandhi said the Congress-NCP (Nationalist Congress Party) alliance in the State had done some good job during its five-year rule and has struck a pre-poll alliance with NCP and RPI (Republican Party of India) factions to fight out the communal forces of Shiv Sena-BJP combine.

"We have come out with a joint election manifesto and that all alliance partners have committed themselves to defeat the evil design of saffron combine," Gandhi said adding she was hopeful this time Cong-NCP-RPI alliance would get more support from the people and thus more seats.

Acknowledging the problems of the area such as drought- like situation prevailing in the region, she said rains have played truant and the crop were damaged to some extent and since "our economy is based on agriculture, the farmers cannot be neglected in the country."

"Similarly the provision of employment opportunities to the youth and social security to women was must", Gandhi said.

The Government will leave no stone unturned in developing the area. "It is only a question of your vision and your honest and sincerity in running the Government", she said.

Since the party came to power in the State, it has worked with all zeal for the betterment of the people, Gandhi added.