In a one-page message, Sonia said: ``There are forces at work which seek to undermine the secular ethos of the country and the full exercise of the rights and freedoms guaranteed by the Constitution. We shall resolutely oppose these forces. There is no task higher then ensuring total respect for, and complete observance of, the sanctity of the Constitution and its provisions.

``We pledge ourselves anew to upholding the independence and integrity of our sacred land and working with dedication to ending the curse of poverty and inequality. We seek peace and cooperation with our neighbours and a world order free of the domination of a few. Our goal is a strong, prosperous and humane India worthy of the contribution it has made over the millenia, and must make in the future also, to theadvancement of human civilization,'' she said.

The Congress president's pledge comes in the backdrop of a series of attacks against minorities in several parts of the country including the killing of an Australian Christian missionary and his two sons two days ago. The VHP has attacked Sonia personally and the Congress has decided to counter the attack.