London, May 14 (PTI)

The Indian Overseas Congress, UK has described the verdict in the recent assembly elections and the by-election to the Lok Sabha from Rae Bareli as a victory for Congress and secular parties.

Speaking at a meeting convened here last night to celebrate the victory of Congress President Sonia Gandhi in Rae Bareli by a margin of over 4.80 lakh votes, the IOC President and freedom fighter, Balwant Kapoor said: "It is a great day for Congress and secular parties. Besides the return of Sonia Gandhi to Lok Sabha by a record vote from the Rae Bareli constituency, the Congress and its allies were voted to power in three states whereas in other two states the CPI-M which is supporting Congress-led UPA government at the centre is voted to office."

Kapoor also lauded the role played by Rahul Gandhi, MP and Priyanka in ensuring the victory of Sonia Gandhi.