Congress holds OBC convention in Lucknow

The convention was attended by senior party leaders Digvijay Singh,state president Rita Bahuguna Joshi,and Union minister Sriprakash Jaiswal. Among prominent OBC leaders there were Beni Prasad Verma and Raja Pam Pal,who had joined party before the 2009 Lok Sabha election. Most speakers complained that the OBCs had not been given proper representation in the party.

Union Coal Minister Sriprakash Jaiswal advised patience to all those who had joined from other parties. “Sonia Gandhi can feel the pain of OBCs and has given chance to OBC leaders as well,” Jaiswal told the gathering. “But we should understand that the Congress is not BSP or SP. Congress has its own culture,adapt yourself to the Congress culture and you will get everything.” The words appeared to be intended for Beni Prasad Verma,who has come from the SP,and Raja Ram Pal,who has come from the BSP.

Beni Prasad Verma sounded bitter. “It is sad that complaints are coming in about poor representation given to OBCs in the recently announced list of PCC delegates,” he said. “When it comes to nominated posts in the government,there is hardly any representation given to OBCs.” He added that it would not harm anyone’s personal interest in the AICC or UPCC if proper representation was given to OBCs. “I know Soniaji wants to promote OBCs,thus if OBCs are not given their due place it would be betrayal for the party and for her,” Beni Prasad told the gathering.

The Union ministry,he said,did not have proper representation from UP and if OBCs did not get adequate number of party tickets in the 2012 assembly elections,it will “automatically decide the fate of Congress in UP”. Replying to Beni Prasad,Digvijay Singh and Rita Bahuguna Joshi said if the OBCs do not get proper representation as PCC delegates,they would be nominated.