Sonia Gandhi's Campaign in Chennai

There was a huge crowd in Chennai at the rally organised by the Congress, DMK and other TN allies at the famous Island Grounds today.

The meeting which was meant to be Ms Sonia Gandhi's first and only campaign in Chennai in recent times, had previously been scheduled for the same day, and then a cancellation was announced. But finally, it took place, but in the manner of a surprise arrangement.

Ms Sonia Gandhi looked visibly moved when she spoke of the ideals held by her family, naming them all one by one, including Rajiv-ji. One could feel her emotions for in no other rally seen on TV had she looked as shaken as here. She expressed that the Indian Government had done all in its power to try and save the Tamil brothers and Sisters in Eelam. She also spoke of her distress in viewing the plight of young children women, and even elderly people caught in the cross-fire at Lanka.

I could not help but admire her courage and determination and one can say even bravery in the way she spoke of the deepest promises of her party under circumstances where the Sri Lankan Genocide buck had been finally passed on to her.

Anyway, all this bravery was weakened by the interpreter, who due to lack of time or some other thing, had not caught either the emotional appeal or the conviction or the content of her speech fully.

All said, in this election, there are many brave women contesting. More than did before.