In a veiled criticism of the anti-migrant agitation launched by MNS, Congress president Sonia Gandhi said on Tuesday that the government will provide "full protection" to workers who have come to Maharashtra from other parts of the country.

"Security of these workers is our first responsibility. Our government will provide full protection to workers who have come here and who not only earn their livelihood but also contribute to Maharashtra's progress," she said.

The UPA Chairperson was speaking after inaugurating a 200-bed hospital built by the State Government in the powerloom town, which is also communally sensitive.

Gandhi said when she visited Malegaon three years ago, she had asked the then Chief Minister Vilasrao Deshmukh to build a hospital and expressed satisfaction that the promise has been fulfilled.

"This hospital will benefit not only residents of Malegaon but also lakhs of people from adjoining areas," she said.

Gandhi also lauded the State Government's housing scheme for minorities and weaker sections, aimed at providing affordable housing to them.

Union Health Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad, Chief Minister Ashok Chavan and Deputy Chief Minister Chhagan Bhujbal were also present during the function.

The Congress president also thanked people of the country for reposing faith in Congress-led UPA during the Lok Sabha polls. "The public knows that development is done through concrete work," she said, exhorting people to work together for the country's progress.

Stating that the objective of the UPA-led Government is to make India strong by giving opportunities to minorities, Dalits, farmers, labourers and weaker sections, Gandhi said "several steps have been taken to bring these sections on path of progress."

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