SHIVER TO SHIVIR?

Revolt likely in Cong at Udaipur conclave

The Congress faces an implosion at its 3-day “Nav Sankalp Shivir” in Udaipur from Friday as several party leaders have questioned the list of invitees drawn up, giving no space to the younger generation to express their views and ideas for the resurrection of the grand old party.

There should be no wonder if the young leaders of the party descend at Udaipur on their own and hold demonstrations on keeping them out from any kind of introspection to resurrect the Congress. They question why only the national and state office-bearers figure on the list and not the former ministers, former MPs and the younger lot. Why not a mix of invitees to enable them to share their vision instead of debating the vision of those already in power in the party.

A leader took a swipe at the party forming half a dozen committees on various issues, except on the most crucial leadership crisis.

A leader said the responsibility for the Shivir has been given to those who have been thinking all past 24 years without any result. He said “chintan” (introspection) is never done by shouting loudly for three days as it should have been done in one’s own mind. He said there has been introspection for 24 years, but no implementation of the decisions taken.

Another leader said the Udaipur session should have a single agenda of how to resurrect the party back to its old glory, but instead six panels were formed to prepare the background papers for discussions

on different subjects — political, social justice and empowerment, economy, organisation, agriculture, youth and empowerment. Such documents on different

subjects are okay if debated in an AICC session, but are deliberately brought in by those in power to leave no time for discussing the resurrection of the party.

Congress President Self-criticism is of course needed in our party forums. But this should not be done in a manner that erodes self-confidence and morale and an atmosphere of gloom and doom prevails. On the contrary, we are beholden to put our heads together and together, collectively overcome the challenges that face us. This requires that the Chintan Shivir does not become a ritual, something we must just get through. I am determined it should herald a restructured organisation to meet the many ideological, electoral and managerial tasks we confront. —SONIA GANDHI,