Hold fasts on April 9 for harmony, Gandhi tells Congress

New Delhi April 6 (IANS) Congress President Rahul Gandhi on Friday directed party leaders to organise fasts across the country on April 9 to protect and promote harmony between different sections of society.

The Congress also hit out at the Centre and BJP-ruled state governments for not taking steps to curb violence during the Bharat Bandh on April 2 called by different Dalit organisations in the wake of a Supreme Court ruling.

Gandhi s decision was communicated to all state unit Presidents AICC General Secretaries and Congress Legislative Party leaders in different states through a letter by General Secretary Ashok Gehlot.

"The Congress President has directed for holding fasts on April 9 at all district headquarters. Peace and harmony has been embodied in the soul of this country and the responsibility to uphold it lies with the Congress " the letter said.

"What has happened on April 2 during the Bharat Bandh protests is very unfortunate. It is very dangerous for the social fabric of this country. Clearly the BJP-led central and state governments didn t initiate steps to curb violence. Therefore it becomes even more important for the Congress to lead the nation in tough times " it added.

--IANS
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