Rallying the party behind Prime Minister Manmohan Singh onthe coal block allocation issue, she accused BJP of acting with "wantonirresponsibility".
"We will not be deflected by the intemperate Congressbashing by the opposition. Let us stand up and fight. Fight with a sense ofpurpose and fight aggressively. We have many achievements. We have nothing tofeel defensive about," Gandhi said.
Addressing the Congress Parliamentary Party (CPP) here, sheprefaced the remarks by flagging the party is now "entering a period in whichelections will consume much of our time".
With the Monsoon session nearly washed out over the CAGreport issue, Gandhi laid the blame squarely on the BJP alleging that holdingParliament to ransom was the political bread and butter of the oppositionparty.
"It's targeting of the Prime Minister on the coal issueis entirely politically motivated. The Prime Minister has laid a detailedstatement...That statement is clear, comprehensive and cogent. It completelyexposes the BJP and its false propaganda," the Congress chief said.
She wondered as to "how many times will we have towitness this deliberate and cynical disruption that the BJP has made a habitof?"
Gandhi asserted that the government and Prime Minister arealways prepared for debate and discussion any issue, on any CAG report or forthat matter on "any perceived shortcoming on their part".
"But the proper forum for this is an active andinvolved Parliament, not one that is held to ransom by blackmail, which hasbecome the political bread and butter of the BJP, much to the concern of evensome of its allies".
The Congress President's remarks assume significance as theycome in the backdrop of unease in some allies of BJP like JD-U over thecontinued disruption of Parliament.
In her first public response on the coal block allocationcontroversy that has paralysed Parliament with BJP adamant on the PrimeMinister's resignation, Gandhi devoted a major part of her address targetingBJP.
"This attitude of 'our way or no way' makes a mockeryof the vision of our founding fathers and of the Constitutional framework, theyso painstakingly built for us. Parliament is not being allowed to function andfulfill its proper Constitutional role and duty. This is the handiwork of justone party - the BJP. This one again shows up the scant respect it has fordemocratic values," Gandhi said.
Gandhi, who is also the CPP Chairperson, took a dig at BJPleader L K Advani by remarking "what else can we conclude when its seniormost leader refers to our government as 'illegitimate', thereby mocking thepeople of India for the convincing mandate they have given us."
The Congress chief said that it was condemnable when therewas need to work together across party lines to tackle serious issues facingthe people like drought, price rise and economic slowdown, "the country'sprincipal opposition party is acting with wanton irresponsibility".
In the backdrop of the government's move to bring FDI inmulti-brand retail facing stiff opposition from some parties including UPA allyTrinamool Congress, Gandhi said, "Many economic policies require a largerpolitical understanding and agreement both within the UPA and with otherpolitical parties as well."
She said that Congress was striving sincerely for this consensusboth within and outside UPA. "In a democracy, dialogue, debate anddiscussion are the only way forward. But the opposition especially theprincipal opposition party, has to come forth and show a sense ofresponsibility."
Gandhi also utilized the occasion to press for efforts torevive and sustain the momentum of high economic growth in the country.
"Countries all over the world are facing troubledeconomic conditions, this in turn is also affecting us. Our focus, therefore,must be to revive and sustain the momentum of high economic growth," shesaid.
She also spoke about ethnic violence in Assam demanding thatthe guilty should be brought to justice and "strictest possible action"should be taken against those targeting the people from the northeast living inother parts of the country.
The Congress President lauded the government for its effortsto confront the emerging challenges.
"The Monsoon has been deficient in a number ofdistricts.
Our government has acted swiftly and has extended fullsupport to the states affected. Despite the difficult economic conditions weare facing, it has announced several economic measures to help the farmers inareas like the agricultural credit, farm inputs, rural employment throughMG-NREGA," she said.
Gandhi said that the government is continuously monitoringthe situation and is fully prepared to meet all eventualities.
"Even if there were to be a shortfall in agriculturalproduction this year, the food stock situation is comfortable," she said.
