AICC general secretary Rahul Gandhis mission to strengthen internal democracy in the Congress is causing winds of change in the composition of the Chandigarh Territorial Youth Congress. The elections,which would culminate on Thursday with the election of the CTYC president and other office bearers,is witnessing fresh faces in the fray. The elections for delegates from various wards were keenly contested by those who had been active members of Students Organisation of Panjab University (SOPU). Interestingly,the party,known to be supported by a faction of the Congress,fielded candidates against the candidates fielded by party veterans. The fielded candidates did not manage to make a strong dent. Amit Bhatia,the former president of Panjab University Campus Students Council,also lost the election. These candidates,however,feel a beginning has been made. A former CTYC member,however,said some youngsters in the fray are quite immature. They have not worked with the party and are contesting elections. Democracy has its drawbacks too. Among the former members of SOPU are those who are not hesitating to use money power to lure voters, he said. Brinder Dhillon,former president of SOPU,said: After PU,we wanted to enter mainstream elections. This is the perfect platform. We have worked actively with students and understand their problems. We will be able to motivate youngsters to vote for the Congress, he said. The nomination of Dhillon for the post of president was rejected due to the criminal cases,including one of stabbing,registered against him. There is also resentment brewing among delegates on accepting the nomination of Govind Khatra,who was also involved in the same stabbing case. As many as 16 candidates would contest for the post of president during the July 22 elections.
