Cong cracks down on ‘indiscipline’

The Congress has decided to go strict on discipline a week after Rahul Gandhi concluded the first phase of his mass contact programme in eastern UP,during which he witnessed partymen’s opposition to their own leaders and candidates. After suspending the Bahraich district president for protesting against Union Minister Beni Prasad Verma and party candidates,it has started an inquiry into the indiscipline at the Utraula meet where partymen refused to listen to Verma despite Rahul’s request.

The state Congress has also sent a letter to all 213 candidates declared so far,asking them to immediately report “non-cooperation” by Congressmen in their area. The letter,sent by senior leader Ram Krishna Dwivedi,chairman of the state Congress disciplinary committee,states,“During the election period,if you come across any adverse situation where Congressmen are not supporting you in the expected manner,or if there is direct or indirect opposition,report to me immediately so that it can be solved.”

On behalf of state Congress chief Rita Bahuguna Joshi,he has told candidates that they are “expected to work in co-ordination with all functionaries of the party.”

Sources said that during his programme in Lucknow on December 10 and 11,Rahul has sought to first meet all 213 candidates and only later have meetings with the executive committee,district and city presidents. Within three days of issuing the letter,the disciplinary committee has started getting complaints from Gonda,Agra,Balrampur,Bhadohi,Barabanki,Agra,Lakhimpur and other places.