Finishing in the same vein as she started, Congress President Sonia Gandhi on Monday closed the party's 83rd plenary in New Delhi on Monday with an attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party and its National Democratic Alliance government.
The UPA's track record was beyond doubt and if one were to compare it with the NDA, it stands out distinctly.
She warned the party that they have to confront their political opponents aggressively.
The plenary came at a time when the opposition was gunning for the government over several corruption scandals and Parliament was stalled for one full session.
These allegations leveled against the Congress by the opposition -- especially by the BJP -- are blatantly baseless and unfounded, she said.
Sonia set aside some time of the speech to raise the spirits of the rank and file, before telling them
It is the time to work hard since assembly elections are coming up in many important states, she said, adding that there was no alternative for hard work.
Saying that this was the time when all the workers had to stand united, and be disciplined, she called upon the Pradesh Congress Committees to constantly assess their activities and report to the AICC regularly.
There is absolutely no place for complacency, she warned the party leaders and workers, and said that the time of the multitude of people who have been slogging away without rewards for years will soon come.
The Congress president said such people had a special place in her heart for such people who worked hard for the party without expecting the credit or rewards.
Aapka number aayega, she said, to a prolonged applause from the crowd.
