For unity, leaders want Youth Cong elections put off

Many Congress workers have opposed holding of elections in the party’s youth wing in May, saying the exercise will lead to infighting among leaders and come in the way of a united fight against the Bharatiya Janata Party in assembly polls due in December this year.

During a meeting held in Barmer on Sunday, many leaders suggested that Youth Congress elections be avoided to foster unity in party ranks. State Congress general secretary Shabbir Hussain chaired the meeting on Project Shakti, launched to establish a direct link between workers with the party’s central leadership.

“Youth Congress elections will create rift among the party’s young leaders. The exercise should be cancelled. Instead of holding elections, there are many ways to choose eligible candidates,” said Balaram Choudhary, a former Barmer district council chief.

“When we are accepting candidates nominated by the party leadership for assembly and general elections, then what is the problem in picking Youth Congress leaders?” he asked.

Manoj Choudhary, a Congress worker, said local and senior leaders were divided into groups and pushing their candidates for YC posts. “Former chief minister Ashok Gehlot wants one more term for present YC state president Ashok Chandna, while PCC chief Sachin Pilot is favouring Jat candidate Sumit Bhagasara,” he claimed.

According to norms, one who had contested YC elections twice cannot be eligible for one more chance. But norms have been reset purportedly to push favourable candidates, Manoj Choudhary claimed.

“Under new norms, one who wins two elections cannot be eligible for the third time, but one who contested two elections and won only once can be contest one more time. In this way, Chandna would be fielded again,” he said.

“When Chandna is already a legislator, why do some leaders want him to contest YC election? Considering such a scenario, the election should not be held now.”

Neeraj Joshi, coordinator of IT cell in Barmer, said, “It is true that this election is creating rift. There are two options: the party should cancel this election or postpone it till after the assembly polls.”

Naresh Saharan, a Barmer municipal councillor, said, “In Youth Congress election, youth leaders are unnecessarily showing money and muscle power, which can be utilised for assembly elections.”

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