NEW DELHI (Reuters) - Sonia Gandhi will chair the National Advisory Council (NAC) in a move that will strengthen the ruling party's pro-poor programmes in time for crucial state elections.
Gandhi's appointment to the NAC could signal a renewed push for spending on the poor, such as guaranteeing cheap food grains for families and a rural job scheme that already costs 1 percent of GDP.
The NAC, which comprises academics and activists, was formed in 2004 and steered through programmes such as the rural jobs scheme, credited for helping return the party to power in 2009.
The government coalition is under fire over issues such as high food, taxes and fuel prices and a resurgent opposition has stalled two important parliamentary bills.
The Congress' core voters are predominantly rural and poor, and such legislation will help boost its credentials ahead of elections in larger states such as West Bengal and Uttar Pradesh.
The chair of the NAC holds the rank of a cabinet minister, allowing Gandhi to call for and work with government officials and documents.
Reporting by Bappa Majumdar; Editing by Alistair Scrutton
Reuters India
