Rahul to take final call on selecting candidates from state: Congress
ASSEMBLY POLLS Pradesh Election Committee of state Congress unanimously passes a resolution JAIPUR:
The Pradesh Election Committee (PEC) of Rajasthan Congress on Monday unanimously passed a resolution authorising AICC president Rahul Gandhi to take a final call on the selection of candidates for the assembly elections in the state, said Kumari Selja, the chairperson of the party’s state screening committee, on Monday.
“The PEC today passed a proposal where all the members unanimously have left the final decision over party candidates on Gandhi. He will select the candidate and his decision will be final,” said Selja, while addressing reporters at the state party office in Jaipur after the PEC meeting.
Selja said all the PEC members participated in the meeting and everyone gave their suggestions over the election strategy and things that should be kept in mind while selecting candidates. “The PEC members for submitting the further suggestions can meet the screening committee members, AICC general secretary Avinash Pande and secretary incharge separately today and on October 12. We have also urged the members to submit suggestions in writing,” she said.
When asked about the party challenges, Selja said, “There are many candidates, which is also a challenge, but all have to work with patience. Everyone has worked hard. Keeping this in mind, we will make efforts to field winnable candidates. Special focus will be made in giving opportunity to women and youth, and ensuring a social balance.”
She said, “We have also said in the meeting that if any senior leader recommends or backs a candidate then the responsibility has to be taken.”
On criteria for ticket selection, she said winnability was the only criteria this time.
Over reports of denying ticket to those who lost with large margin in last elections or tickets to MPs and former MPs in assembly elections, she reiterated winnability is the focus.
Selja said all the party men in Rajasthan are enthused with the hard work done at all the forums and raising voice of all sections. Time has come and people have made up their mind to oust BJP and support Congress, she added.
State president and PEC chairperson, Sachin Pilot said 48 people participated in the meeting and gave their suggestions. “The PEC member accepted and passed the proposal forwarded by me, leaving final decision over candidates on Gandhi,” he said.
On Rahul Gandhi’s visit, Pilot said he will be coming on Tuesday. The AICC chief will address his first meeting at Maniya in Dholpur district and thereafter will address gatherings at Bari, Baseri, Bayana and Weir. The Congress president will stay the night at Mahwa in Dausa.
He will touch Dholpur, Bharatpur and Dausa districts on Tuesday. On Wednesday, Gandhi will attend two programmes in Jaipur and then address a big public meeting at Bikaner. Pilot said all preparations for the Gandhi’s visit have been done.
Senior Congress leaders including AICC general secretaries Ashok Gehlot, CP Joshi and Mohan Prakash were present in the meeting.