Congress generation next calls for introspect

New Delhi: Several “Team Rahul” members launched an attack on the “coterie” surrounding the young leader on Thursday, with former MP Milind Deora, seen in party circles as close to Rahul Gandhi, saying his advisers “did not have their ears to the ground”, and those with “no electoral experience” were “calling the shots”.

He said his “deep loyalty” to the party and “pain” at its poor performance in the election had prompted these remarks.

“My comments are out of emotions of deep loyalty to the party, pain at our performance & a sincere desire to see us bounce back. Nothing more,” he wrote on Twitter.

He went on: “Field party work & electoral battles are key to comprehend ground realities. This should form the basis for leadership posts in Congress.” He did not, however, name the “advisers” he was targeting.

Another leader, Satyavrat Chaturvedi, seemed to agree with Mr Deora’s views, and hoped that an “honest and ruthless introspection” was done to rectify problems. Mr Chaturvedi said while everything that Mr Deora said might not be fully correct, a “large portion of what he said is correct.”

AICC secretary Priya Dutt also talked of a “disconnect” between party leaders and the people. “We need to bridge that gap. We need to bring that right upto the leadership. There is a lot of criticism,” she said.

CPP meets on Saturday

Sonia Gandhi is expected to be re-elected as the chairperson of the Congsress Parliamentary Party at its first meeting here on May 24 after the 16th Lok Sabha polls. 

Congress has closed its ranks behind the Gandhis to lead them in these “tough and trying times” for the party.

Sonia rejects Gogoi resignation

Congress chief Sonia Gandhi on Thursday “outrightly” rejected the resignation offered by Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi following the party’s debacle in the state in Lok Sabha polls.

“The Congress president outrightly rejected the CM’s offer of resignation,” state agriculture minister Nilomani Sen Deka said.