Updated on Saturday, April 05, 2008, 00:00 IST

Karaikudi, April 05: Asking Congressmen in Tamil Nadu to work towards the revival of the golden period of Kamaraj rule, Congress President Sonia Gandhi on Saturday said partymen should be united and work hard among the masses to gain their confidence.

"If you are united and work hard, spread party's roots among the people, identify yourself with the people in their problems and difficulties, then the people will entrust their future and destiny with the congress party," she said addressing a huge farmers rally organised by the party here.

"Tamil Nadu is a progressive state in the country and people of the state are hardworking and enterprising, and the people still take pride in the golden period of Kamaraj who worked closely with Nehru and Indira Gandhi," she said.

Narrating the state's 'remarkable progress' during long years of congress rule, the UPA chairperson said, "many colleges, dams, industries and mid-day meal scheme still stand testimony to the vision of Kamaraj and that vision should be revived. It is our duty to work hard for realizing the vision of Kamaraj."

Gandhi also offered to visit the state more frequently if congressmen organized such meetings remaining united and working with people.

"I can spend as much time as I can spend," the Congress president said at the meeting held here, part of Finance Minister P Chidambaram's constituency.

Recalling her tour of the state along with her husband former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, Gandhi said she experienced the special affection people showered to their family members.

A minor Fracas occured earlier in the day when a man carrying a toy gun was caught by the police.

Bureau Report