Rahul’s talent hunt draws only five women

Ironically,even when the Congress is talking about passing the Women’s Reservation Bill,only five women registered. They were two teachers,a lawyer and two social workers.

“We realise that participation of women has been very little. As soon as the process of selecting district,city presidents and office bearers for the state body is completed,we will sit and discuss the issue,” said Virendra Singh Rathore,general secretary of the National Youth Congress.

“The organisational structure will be such that more and more women can participate. I will also ask the zonal in-charges to think about ways to increase this participation,” he added.

“I was once a member of Congress Seva Dal in Bihar. But lost touch with the party after I was married and came to UP. When I heard about this talent hunt,I told my husband that I will apply. I have always wanted to pursue a career in politics. The Congress’ 100 days agenda has impressed me,” said 29-year-old Abha Singh,a pre-primary teacher. She also holds a LLB degree.

Another candidate,Shaheen Khan,a social worker who has been active in NSUI,said: “The way Rahulji has tried to reach out to the people is different from that of other politicians. He is also talking of giving youth a chance. Otherwise,we young people were always forced to stand at the back.”

In the Youth Congress protest against Chief Minister Mayawati’s objectionable remarks on Mahatma Gandhi on Wednesday,Khan had sustained injuries in a police lathicharge.

As many as 22 engineers had applied for the talent hunt. Among them was Ashutosh Tyagi,a civil engineer and also runs a construction business.

“I am surprised to see so many engineers here. It seems many engineers take it as their second best career opportunity,” said Tyagi.

As some of the applicants were well past 35 — the upper age limit for membership of the Youth Congress — they were told to apply in the Congress.

Youth Congress workers,who have been with the state unit for a long time,looked disappointed at the talent hunt process.

“This is beyond us. We have worked for years and now new people will get important positions because they have these degrees,” said a worker.

Taking note of the issue,Rathore later called such workers for a meeting and assured them that all those below 35 years were needed in the organisation.