‘Forget differences, focus on seizing power’

Shyam Sundar Vattam| NT

Chanting the mantra of unity, former AICC President Rahul Gandhi is learnt to have asked Karnataka Congress leaders to forget their differences and strive to seize power in the 2023 Assembly elections.

At a meeting held on the lawns of Rahul’s official residence in Delhi, the Wayanad MP had a free and frank discussion with around 19 leaders who included Leader of Opposition Siddaramaiah, KPCC President D.K. Shivakumar and Rajya Sabha Opposition Leader Mallikarjun Kharge on the strategy to be adopted by the party to win enough seats to form the government on its own next year.

The Congress party must expose the double standards of the ruling BJP on the hijab-saffron shawl row, Rural Development & Panchayat Raj Minister K.S. Eshwarappa’s statement on the national Tricolour and inciting violence in Shivamogga City after the brutal murder of a Bajrang Dal activist.

A senior leader who was one of the participants, told News Trail that Rahul asked leaders to avoid contradictory statements on the hijab controversy as the BJP would try to portray the Congress as ‘pro-Minority’ and ‘anti-Hindu’. In fact, the BJP which is facing a rebellion over the delay in Cabinet reshuffle, is waiting for the Congress to commit mistakes so that they can be blown out of proportion. “Disciplinary action must be taken against those who defy the gag order,” Rahul said.

According to the leader, Rahul wanted candidate selection for the 2023 Assembly elections to be done well in advance so that prospective candidates can interact with voters. Naming candidates at the last minute would deny them time to connect with voters. Besides, the high command has to carry out the appointment of office-bearers which has been pending for many months.

At least, an adhoc committee can be constituted by giving representation to all communities so that it can work in tandem for the coming Assembly polls. Rahul also asked Siddaramaiah to take up the membership drive with utmost seriousness in order to have an army of dedicated workers before the elections.