I cannot say yes or no, says Babbar on resignation buzz
LUCKNOW: A high drama that began with reports of Uttar Pradesh Congress Committee (UPCC) chief Raj Babbar’s offer to resign from his post on Tuesday evening ended after nearly 24 hours with the actor-turned-politician saying: “We exist till a new person takes over.” “I cannot say yes or no (about resignation) on an issue that has not taken place. A resolution was passed at the plenary session to authorize Congress chief Rahul Gandhi to restructure the organization (hinting that existing structure of the Congress will be changed). This is a bit technical,” said Babbar here on Wednesday evening.
LUCKNOW: A high drama that began with reports of Uttar Pradesh Congress Committee (UPCC) chief Raj Babbar’s offer to resign from his post on Tuesday evening ended after nearly 24 hours with the actor-turned-politician saying: “We exist till a new person takes over.”
“I cannot say yes or no (about resignation) on an issue that has not taken place. A resolution was passed at the plenary session to authorize Congress chief Rahul Gandhi to restructure the organization (hinting that existing structure of the Congress will be changed). This is a bit technical,” said Babbar here on Wednesday evening.
Although Babbar refused to admit that he had offered his resignation, partymen close to him said he was upset over accusations of making ‘irregular appointments’. Sources aware of unfolding developments in the Congress said Babbar had been telling partymen about his resignation offer in the past few days.
“I had been given a specific task of inculcating discipline in partymen, ensuring respect to workers and inducting young leaders in the party. I have made efforts in this direction and some people may have got upset with me on this issue,” said Babbar while replying to a question.
A group of partymen raised slogans “Raj Babbar Tum Sangharsh Karo” (Youth is with you) slogans as Babbar reached the UPCC headquarters. They also carried placards with slogans in Babbar’s favour.
Senior Congress leader Pramod Tiwari, too, spoke to media persons to deny reports about Babbar’s resignation. “Babbar continues to be UPCC president and he has not resigned,” said Tiwari. Another party leader, however, said “Babbar told me he has resigned. We are with him.”
The UPCC chief said he would be camping in Lucknow, along with PL Punia, Pramod Tiwari and Sanjay Singh, to work out a strategy for the Rajya Sabha elections.
“The Congress is supporting BSP candidate BR Ambedkar. All the seven party MLAs will vote for the BSP candidate. We will meet leaders of other (opposition) parties to finalise our strategy for the Rajya Sabha polls,” said Babbar.