Rumbling over civic polls refuses to die in Congress

On many issues there are many suggestions…we are free to give suggestions. Opinions can differ but on which platform it should be made is important.

JAIPUR: Internal rumbling in Rajasthan Congress over civic polls refuses to die. At the party meeting held at Pradesh Congress Committee head quarter, Minister of state for Sports, Ashok Chandna took a dig at his cabinet colleagues, who opposed the government’s decision related to mayoral polls.

A senior leader on conditions of anonymity said in the meeting held on Sunday evening, Chandna without naming anyone stated, “It’s good you (AICC general secretary Avinash Pande) told us that we need to protest against the central government. Otherwise some leaders here were believing of doing (protest) against our own (state) government. Here things are being stated against the party government.”

On Similar lines, Revenue Minister Harish Choudhary on Friday addressing newspersons at the AICC office in New Delhi, had stated that there might be differences in opinion but suggestions and deliberations should be made internally at organisational and government level. He replied on state ministers opposing the changes made in mayoral elections.

“On many issues there are many suggestions…we are free to give suggestions to party organisations; and similarly are free in government to suggest as cabinet ministers. Opinions can differ but on which platform it should be made is important,” said Choudhary.

When asked was he happy with the changes made by the government in mayoral polls, he said, “These are collective decisions, whatever is decided by the government, everyone needs to take collective responsibility. The proposal was mooted by UDH Minister Shanti Dhariwal and everyone gave their sugges

HARISH CHOUDHARY, revenue minister

It’s good you (AICC general secretary Avinash Pande) told us that we need to protest against the Central government. Otherwise some leaders here were planning to (protest) against our own (state) government.

ASHOK CHANDNA, sports minister at a meeting

tions.”

On party leaders protesting the decision, he said it was protested but my personal belief is that it should have been done internally at organisational and government level.

In October last, few state ministers had opposed the changes in mayoral election process - under which any citizen can stand for election to the post of chairperson and mayor.

The move sparked a controversy after deputy chief minister Sachin Pilot and a few ministers opposed the decision saying it was undemocratic and would lead to “back-door entry” of people to civic bodies.

Thereafter the central party leadership directed Pande to intervene, who asked state leaders for a corrective measure. The government later clarified that the decision was for special circumstances and not a blanket rule.

Prior to Pilot, two ministers - Pratap Si ngh and Ramesh Meena had also expressed their unhappiness over the decision and suggested reconsideration.