Congress 19-point code for return to Gandhi in new millenium

It is the Congress version of cleaning the Augean stables and Antony was suitably cautious. “We know it is a difficult task in the present situation. But this is a guiding principle for the party as a whole,” he felt. The Congress constitution already lists seven virtues to be practised: wearing certified khadi, avoiding alcohol and drugs, working to eradicate untouchability, not believing in religious and caste distinction, performing manual labour, owningproperty within ceiling laws and subscribing to secularism, socialism and democracy.

To these have been added the 19 points in the code of conduct. From now on, Congress members are expected to “uphold the dignity of human beings, particularly women, at all times, abjure violence and promote peace, harmony and fraternity.” They are to “consciously practice and promote the goal of a small family and population control,” the party had in Pachmarhi imposed a two-child norm from January 1, 2000.

Says another clause in the code: “A Congress member shall be prompt in payment of taxes, government and party dues.” People like Madhavrao Scindia, who is a CWC member, owe the MTNL thousands of rupees while Rajesh Khanna, a former MP, is one of the leading tax defaulters in the country and it is unclear how the party expects them to pay up now.

Emphasis is laid on gender equality with Congressmen being told to work for the elimination of “all discriminatory and derogatory practices against women.” They arenow to “strive hard” to promote participation of women on equal terms with men in political, social, economic and cultural life and within the family. Male party workers are to guarantee women colleagues the “freedom to choose and right to excel.”

Newly elected and nominated members to the Parliament, State Legislature or party office are to submit property returns within three months of being elected or nominated. To be followed by annual returns with any changes in assets or liabilities. The catch here is that these returns will be sent to the Congress president. The general public is not to be informed of these details.

Similar contradictions abound elsewhere too. Like, drinking liquor is banned but selling the stuff isn’t (some Congress leaders have contracts for liquor vending). Again, criminal records, if any, are to be shared with the Congress president but that will not affect anybody’s chances of getting a party ticket during elections.

Says the relevant clause in the code: “A Congressmember applying for a party ticket or contesting a party office shall declare whether he or she has been convicted for any offence or there is any pending criminal investigation or case against him or her.” Luminaries like Sheila Kaul, P K Thungon, Satish Sharma, Sukh Ram, Balram Jakhar and others like P V Narasimha Rao have cases against them on various charges.

Also, “a party member shall inform his Congress committee of his arrest for any criminal offence as also of any chargesheet filed against him or her in any criminal court.” Likewise, party members are not to associate with or support any candidate with a criminal record for party or public posts. Party activists are to “volunteer promptly” for relief work in natural calamities like earthquakes, cyclones, famines and epidemics.

They are to “exclude any personal interest or gain and promote public and national interest,” should give “top priority to solve problems of SC/STs and weaker sections of society,” participate in “major festivalsof all communities promoting national integration and social harmony,” abstain from “vulgar display of wealth and avoid pomp and ostentation in marriages and other social functions in their families” and “not take or give dowry.”

Members are barred from collecting funds on the party’s behalf except as per the Congress president’s guidelines and any money so collected should be accounted for. Leaders must inform PCCs and DCCs in advance while touring and make it a point to visit Congress offices and meet party workers. Members must not criticise each other or party policies through the media nor must they associate with religious and caste-based political organisations in any manner.

In short, the Congress is expected to re-invent itself. For overseeing this, Antony has proposed seven-member Ethics Committees with at least two women at the national and state-levels with separate Women’s Grievance and Redressal cells to see that women are not “discriminated and asked to take a back seat.”

A tallorder this. Even a minimum practice of the code should thus see a lot of activity in the Congress.