Organisational reforms on way for Congress

JAIPUR: A day after its president backed reforms for the country, the Congress seemed to be headed in the same direction. A brainstorming session on ways to strengthen the organisation dominated Day 2 of the conclave on Saturday, with senior leaders calling for major changes to the way the party functions. These included holding elections to all posts and tying ticket distribution to a candidate’s poll track record.

Kerala Congress president Ramesh Chennithala demanded an end to the nomination cul- ture at all levels in the party and a shift to Rahul Gandhi’s model of organisational elections, which he has successfully implemented in the Youth Congress and the students’ wing.

“The nomination system is weakening the party. It is high time systematic and regular organisational elections are held,” he said.

Party secretary Sagar Rayaka agreed, saying the CWC should do away with the current practice of nominating all 22 members, as “irresponsible leaders and power brokers” have managed to get into the highest decision-making body.