MUMBAI: Maharashtra Chief Minister Ashok Chavan suggested Monday that the state Congress introduce awards for district units that work hard to strengthen the party at grass root level. Launching the year-long celebrations to mark the 125th foundation day of the party at the historic Tejpal auditorium, Chavan said the need of the hour for the party was to strengthen itself. He said it is only Congress which can work for progress and development.

Chavan said if there is competition among district units, it would augur well for the party's overall strength. “I am making this request as a party worker and hope that it will be taken positively by the state unit and Mumbai unit chiefs,” Chavan said in the presence of state president Manikrao Thakre and Mumbai Congress chief Kripashankar Singh.

Referring to the Tejpal Hall, the Chief Minister said the premises was witness to formation of the party 125 years ago and the CWC meeting chaired by Rajiv Gandhi during the party's centenary celebrations. “The auditorium has historic significance and the state government will take up the responsibility of modernising and refurbishing it,” Chavan said.

Chavan said he will invite party chief Sonia Gandhi to come to Mumbai for the closing function of the year long 125th foundation day celebrations. Speaking on the occasion, Revenue Minister Narayan Rane urged party workers to emulate  iconic leaders of the congress who laid down tradition of sacrifice in interest of the country.

 Urging the party to begin preparations for the Mumbai civic elections, Rane said, “we have to ensure that Mumbai is ruled by the Congress. I have been in the Congress for five years and I thank the party for giving me respect,” he said.