Cong presidential election: Mallikarjun Kharge says will ensure 50% party positions kept for those under 50

“I will make it a priority to implement the Udaipur Declaration including ‘50 under 50’ formula to keep half the positions for all those who are under 50 years of age…,” Kharge, 80, said. He added that no party office bearer who has completed a term of five years would continue in the same position.

The veteral leader said he will focus on strengthening the party machinery at all levels and that all pending appointments will be made immediately. “I will initiate a dialogue with our workers at all levels of the party. Our workers will have a say in key appointments,” he said.

He also asserted that all delegates and workers will get periodic training on the ideology of the Congress party on the political, social and economic front. “Enthusiasm and performance in these trainings will serve as an important criteria for candidature in important positions and contesting elections,” he added.

He also promised to set up a leadership development mission and organise workshops for the development of the next line of leadership.

Meanwhile, Madhusudan Mistry, the head of the party’s election authority, reiterated that the election will be held by a secret ballot. He said the ballot papers from across the states would be mixed before counting to ensure secrecy.