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| Wednesday, 26 May 2004 |
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Politics | |
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| Anura congratulates Sonia Gandhi Minister of Industry, Tourism and Investment Promotion Anura Bandaranaike in a letter yesterday congratulated Congress Leader Sonia Gandhi on her party's victory at the Indian elections. Bandaranaike in his letter states: I write this letter to you to offer you my warmest and heartiest congratulations, on a magnificent victory against all odds. Our neighbour, India, the largest democracy has spoken and not only have they spoken, they have replaced their confidence in you and the Congress I in a manner that a few expected. 'You have overcome the humiliation, the political and personal barbs and the might of a Government to win this General Election, and be India's new Prime Minister. The Indian people have turned to you; and I have no doubt, that you will fulfill their great expectations to the letter. Madam, you are not only the Leader of India; you represent the noblest family of independent India. On a personal note: my delight and joy is multiplied by the close relations that the Nehru/Gandhi family and the Bandaranaike family have enjoyed for over 70 years. It has been a friendship, tried and tested that is filled with wonderful memories that will last forever. My father's close friendship with Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, my mother's warmth and affection for Madam Indira Gandhi and our friendship with your late husband, Rajiv, is something we shall always cherish. After my father's death in 1959 and my mother being elected the world's first woman Prime Minister in 1960, we spent four memorable days at 'Teen Murti' as Panditji's personal guest. I was only 11 years old but the memories still linger. Our two families have been accused of family bandysm, yet the people keep turning to us for leadership, for reasons more than one. And that very same India has turned to you for leadership. I am sure that under your able guidance, we shall have closer and more fruitful relations as two close neighbours, that has had connections for well over 3,000 years. Kindly accept my very best wishes. |
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