Ahead of by-polls, most Cong unit heads skip meet

The absence of a considerable chunk of Congress district and city presidents from the first meeting convened to seek their cooperation in this month’s by-polls annoyed the party leadership here on Wednesday.

According to sources, 20 of the 107 district and city party unit presidents did not turn up for the meeting.

“If anybody wants to go, let him go. People keep on coming to and going from the party,” said Madhusudan Mistry, the Congress general secretary (incharge of UP), in a terse warning without referring to the absentees at the meeting convened to gear up the party’s organisation at various levels.

State Congress chief Nirmal Khatri was, however, more categorical while saying, “Give them a notice, seeking their explanation for their absence at the meeting.”

The leadership, nevertheless, asked those present to be active for the by-elections and keep in touch with the people in their areas. “This by-election is going to be your first test. Go to the nearest constituency going to the by-poll. Visit the people on a birth or death in a family, give the responsibility of the block units to those who can take your instructions,” said Mistry.

Mistry asked the office bearers to prepare a list of persons who can work and devote time to the party organisation. A training camp would be organised for them, he said. “Give the list to UPCC president. I will review your progress on September 24,” he said.

LUCKNOW: