In an effort to impart the much-needed personal touch, Sonia even stopped her vehicle near a village, went upto an old woman and enquired of her health. She then asked the woman to vote for Congress. Taking a few tips from mother-in-law Indira Gandhi, she also threw garlands at the crowds that had gathered to watch her.

Stressing that time would prove her zest for serving the country, she said: ``I did not choose Bellary because I wanted political power.''

Reading out a written speech (in Hindi), which was badly translated by the Congress candidates running for the respectiveAssembly seats, Sonia's addresses failed to make an impact on the people who turned out in large numbers. Her speeches in Kudithini and Hospet were ditto, except that a few paragraphs were rearranged.

The 100-plus vehicles in her motorcade were, however, more impressive. Sonia, who has been elusive to the media since her arrival here on Thursday evening, was followed by scores of mediapersons whose vehicles tried to race ahead of each other. The villagers along the way had seen nothing like it before.

Dwelling on ``Indiramma's'' and mere pathi (Rajiv Gandhi's) ``dedication'' to the country, Sonia said she had performed her duties in various filial capacities (as daughter-in-law and wife). ``My fate has bound me to this country,'' she said.

Without mentioning names, Sonia Gandhi said her rivals were criticising her on various counts and questioning her patriotism. ``Both the Central and State Government have been carrying on a campaign against me. But, I am not worried. Neither am I afraid of thisnor am I angry,'' she said.

Referring to the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance, Sonia said they had been playing the ``politics of opportunism'' during the last one-and-a-half years. ``Old enemies have become friends. They made big promises before coming to power. Once in power, they did not keep a single promise'', she said. They were incapable of handling the country's security, she added.

Observing that a stable government was the need of the hour, Sonia said ``you have seen the consequences of coalition governments''. Only the Congress was capable of providing a stable government, she added.

Holding that her party stood for the principles of Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi, she said: ``We are ready to lay down our lives for these principles''.

Mediapersons manhandled

BELLARY: Utter confusion prevailed at Sonia's campaign rally today, as over 200 mediapersons were put to a lot of inconvenience.

Initially newsmen were told by the organisers that theywould be picked up at the circuit house and accordingly, they had gathered there.

However, there was no no sight of a vehicle for two hours. Finally party media manager K V Krishnamurthy arrived at the scene and instructed the mediamen to get into two minibuses, exclusively arranged for them.

However, all and sundry got into the vehicles and raised slogans in favour of Sonia and waved party flags, thus causing inconvenience to mediamen.

The Special Protection Group (SPG) personnel even roughed up some photographers when they tried to get a vantage point to take photographs of Sonia as soon as she emerged.