Sangli: Blaming the previous NDA (National Democratic Alliance) Government for the suffering of the public during the severe drought, Congress Chief Sonia Gandhi today (Oct 8, 2004) lauded the work done by Congress led DF (Democratic Front) Government in Maharashtra in tackling the severe drought situation with the resources available.

"The previous Government at the Centre did not wanted the DF Government to carry out good work," Gandhi said addressing a rally in Sangli in support of Congress-NCP (Nationalist Congress Party) alliance candidates in its bastion in western Maharashtra.

She said she was happy with DF Government's performance in managing difficult situation in the State with limited resources.

The Government during its tenure had carried out all round development of the State, Gandhi said cautioning the party leaders not to relax as "lots more needs to be done".

Terming Opposition's failure to take notice of good work of DF Government "as their mistake" she said, "It is difficult to awake those pretending of going to sleep".

Criticising the Opposition, the Congress chief said, "they are only engaged in insulting and criticising the ruling governments and making people fight among themselves."

"Congress never used the kind of the language used by the Opposition", she said.

The party would work for the upliftment of the downtrodden with special attention to dalits and women, Gandhi said, adding, "We are seriously planning on programmes for development of women as the country cannot progress without the contribution of women".